If you are someone who has taken Zantac to treat a gastrointestinal condition such as heartburn, there is reason to be worried. In 2019, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that Zantac and other generic forms of ranitidine contained high levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is considered a human carcinogen and poses a risk to consumer health. The FDA also learned from testing that was conducted by third-party laboratories that when ranitidine was stored under normal conditions, NMDA levels increased.
To make matters worse, these third-party laboratories also found that when the chemical was stored at higher temperatures or was older, the levels increased at alarming rates. Unfortunately, because NDMA was discovered in samples of Zantac, the FDA decided to issue a request that all manufacturers of ranitidine, even Sanofi who is the maker of Zantac, pull their products from the market.
While some companies voluntarily recalled their products, stores such as CVS and Walgreens began pulling Zantac and generic forms of ranitidine from their shelves. In its press release that was issued in April 2020, the FDA suggested that anyone who was taking Zantac or had it in their possession dispose of it following the instructions the medication came with or by following the agency’s recommendations for disposing medications at home.
Adverse Effects of Ingesting NDMA
NDMA is considered a B2 (probable human) carcinogen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which means when an individual is exposed to high levels of it, they can get cancer. The EPA says some of the other complications that are also linked to high exposure of NDMA include:
- Liver damage
- Body temperature could rise
- Nauseousness accompanied by vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- The liver might become enlarged
- Certain organs may begin to malfunction, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs
- Lightheadedness
Because many individuals who took Zantac were later diagnosed with cancer, they have decided to file lawsuits against the drug manufacturer in an effort to hold the company financially liable. In the event you have suffered any of the adverse effects listed above and are now worried because you took Zantac, it is recommended that you visit with your physician as well as speak to a personal injury lawyer.
Holding the Maker of Zantac Liable for the Adverse Effects It Can Cause
Zantac has been around for years and has been used by millions of people. While it was once presumed to be safe to use to treat things like indigestion and acid reflux, there is substantial evidence that indicates it can potentially lead to an individual developing cancer. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cancer but only harsh treatments that can be rendered, which include surgery, radiation (chemotherapy), medication, and other types of treatments.
While cancer can be shrunken so that it no longer poses a threat to an individual’s health and life, not all treatments are successful. If you developed cancer or another type of medical condition as a result of taking Zantac, you may be able to sue the product’s manufacturer and request that it provide you with financial relief for the following:
Medical Expenses
Treating cancer and other serious health conditions isn’t cheap, especially if you don’t have a steady income or reliable health insurance. However, if a company creates a product that is initially deemed safe and is later identified as being harmful, the company can be held liable for paying you for the medical care you had rendered as well as the medical care you will need in the future. If you are looking to hold the maker of Zantac liable for the medical expenses you incurred, you can request that it pay you for the cost of doctor’s visits, hospital visits, treatments, medications, therapies, surgeries, and more.
Pain and Suffering
If your condition has caused you to suffer physically or psychologically, you can request that the manufacturer provide you with compensation for pain and suffering. Cancer is an aggressive disease that can cause a person to experience a substantial amount of pain. It can also be taxing on a person’s mental health.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your condition has interfered with your ability to enjoy life the way you once could, you may be able to hold the drugmaker liable for compensating you for this.
Lost Wages
Depending on how severe your condition is, you may be unable to work or were required to take time off from work so that you can undergo the necessary treatments to help fight your cancer. Because employers only pay for a certain number of sick days, if you lost income or had to quit your job because of your adverse health condition, you may be able to recoup the money you would have earned had you been able to work.
If Zantac Is Responsible for Your Cancer, Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers
If you’re worried because you took Zantac and have developed serious health conditions or cancer, the attorneys at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers are here to help you understand your legal rights and how they can be properly exercised. If you have a viable case against the drug manufacturer, we will help you fight for the compensation you are due. To receive a case evaluation and determine whether you have the grounds to sue the makers of Zantac, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (855) 529-0269.
