If you used to take Zantac, you should talk to your doctor about your risk of developing cancer. Recent studies have revealed that Zantac and its generic version, ranitidine, contain a potential carcinogen known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). If you used Zantac regularly over an extended period, you might be at increased risk of developing cancer.
Discovery of a Carcinogen in Zantac
In September 2019, the online pharmacy Valisure detected extremely high levels of NDMA in Zantac. Valisure alerted the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which conducted its own tests of the drug.
It found that low levels of NDMA were present in Zantac directly after production and that these levels can increase over time at certain temperatures. Because of these findings, the FDA requested a manufacturer’s recall of Zantac and similar ranitidine products.
Information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that NDMA is a known carcinogen in mammals and a probable carcinogen in humans. NDMA exposure can lead to tumors in the liver, respiratory tract, kidney, and blood vessels. It can also cause:
- Headaches
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Dizziness
- Enlarged liver
- Reduced liver, kidney, and lung function
What to Do if You Used to Take Zantac
According to the Cleveland Clinic, prescription or over-the-counter medications are common treatments for conditions involving the overproduction of stomach acid, such as:
- Heartburn, also known as acid reflux
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- Erosive esophagitis
Before its recall in April 2020, Zantac was often prescribed to block stomach acid production, which provided relief from these conditions. If you used to take Zantac, you should contact your doctor and ask about alternative treatments. You can also discuss your risk of developing cancer, liver, kidney, and lung problems, or any of the other symptoms associated with NDMA exposure.
Compensation for Exposure to NDMA in Zantac
If you used to take Zantac and now suffer from any of these health problems, you may also wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer. An attorney from our firm could help you seek financial compensation if the consumption of Zantac caused any of your conditions.
Zantac contaminated with NDMA is a defective product. Consumers have a right to purchase medication that does not contain cancer-causing ingredients, meaning anyone injured by their consumption of this drug may be entitled to damages.
In this case, the manufacturers who failed to detect or prevent NDMA in Zantac are strictly liable for any issues the product causes. This means that you do not need to prove negligence to recover compensation, only that you or a loved one was harmed due to Zantac.
Damages You May Collect
If you developed health problems after using Zantac, you may be entitled to compensation for expenses such as:
- Doctor’s appointments
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescription medication
- Surgeries
- Cancer treatments
If you were out of work because of your health problems, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, as well. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, especially if your condition required a long recovery or caused you a lot of pain or emotional distress.
How Our Firm Can Help You
If you have health problems from Zantac-related NDMA exposure, you have two options for seeking damages: filing an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. A lawyer from our team can help you determine your options and help you seek damages from Zantac’s manufacturers.
If you choose to file an insurance claim, we can assist with all the necessary paperwork. Our team can also collect evidence such as medical bills and receipts to support the value of your claim and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
If you are unhappy with the settlement offer, or if you simply prefer to file a lawsuit, one of our lawyers can represent you in court.
Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers to Learn More
If you used to take Zantac and later developed cancer or other health problems related to NDMA exposure, you may be entitled to damages. Call (855) 529-0269 today to begin a free consultation with the team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers.
