Zantac is banned in all 50 states. After an April 1, 2020 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recall of Zantac and its generic form, ranitidine, the drug is no longer on the market in the United States.
You may be wondering why Zantac has been banned in all 50 states. Recently, it was discovered that Zantac contains an unsafe level of the known carcinogen, N- nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). If you or someone you love has been taking Zantac or ranitidine and later developed cancer, then you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
FDA Recall on Zantac in All 50 States
The FDA recalled all ranitidine products, and it is not clear whether the FDA will ever lift the ban. However, if Zantac’s manufacturer, Sanofi, can prove that they have mitigated the risks associated with the product, then it might be placed back on the market.
How and Why the Recall Happened
In September of 2019, a lab called Valisure conducted tests on ranitidine, the generic name for Zantac. They found very high levels of the probable human carcinogen NDMA, which has been shown to cause cancer and non-cancerous organ damage in animals. Evidence suggests that NDMA could have a similar effect on humans as well. Valisure presented this information in a petition to the FDA, which then issued a recall as of April 2020 on ranitidine in all of its forms.
What the Recall Means for You
This recall means that you will not be able to find Zantac or its generic form ranitidine anywhere in all 50 states. It is not available over the counter (OTC) or via prescription and has been banned in all of its forms—tablets, capsules, syrups, and injectables. Given this information, you may be wondering what steps you should now take for the sake of your health and wellbeing.
What to Do Now if You Have Taken Zantac for Heartburn
If you previously took Zantac and are now experiencing adverse health effects, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the drug maker. If you are worried about what medication to take for your heartburn, there are many other options on the market your doctor can recommend.
Consult with Your Doctor
If you have a history of taking Zantac over an extended period of time, then you should speak with your doctor. Share your concerns about the NDMA levels in the drug and let them know about any concerning symptoms you may be showing.
Your doctor can discuss the possible health effects of NDMA. There are a wide variety of cancers and non-cancerous organ damage that can be caused by NDMA, such as the following:
- Bladder cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
Since this is a wide variety of illnesses, the possible symptoms are also varied. Your doctor will be able to give you a better idea of your risks for these diseases and can offer you testing to determine your health status.
Additionally, you can discuss alternatives to Zantac for managing your stomach acid. Other drugs for heartburn and ulcers are still approved and have not shown signs of unsafe levels of NDMA. This includes H2 blockers similar to Zantac, as well as the more potent proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Your doctor may also recommend habit and lifestyle changes to help you manage your stomach acid production without medication. Limiting your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods, and spicy foods have been shown to mitigate acid reflux, as well as refraining from exercising or lying down right after eating.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
A cancer diagnosis can upend your life. You may suffer financial losses like high medical bills and lost wages, as well as the emotional and physical pain that comes with the disease. Since you wouldn’t have developed cancer if not for the drug company’s negligence in putting this unsafe drug on the market, you can sue for damages to help you cover these expenses. Currently, there are class actions already underway, so the sooner you get in contact with a law firm, the sooner they can get started on building your case.
A personal injury lawyer from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and what you could expect from a lawsuit now that Zantac is banned in all 50 states. To learn more about how we can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, contact us today at (855) 529-0269.
