At one point in time, Zantac was considered one of the most popular heartburn medications on the market. Since its development in 1983, millions of people have used the medication either via prescription or over the counter. However, Zantac has recently been linked to the development of cancer. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a voluntary recall of the drug in 2019.
Zantac Can Cause Cancer
Zantac contains N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Harvard Health Publishing reports that people come into contact with low levels of NDMA every day while drinking water and eating certain foods. However, when the body processes Zantac, the levels of NDMA increase, elevating one’s risk of developing cancer.
Zantac is considered to be dangerous by many medical professionals. After taking Zantac for a prolonged period, people have reported developing gastric or colorectal cancer, per the World Health Organization (WHO).
Zantac Also Causes Other Complications
One of Zantac’s most active ingredients is ranitidine. This substance was used to treat conditions like heartburn, upset stomach, and indigestion. Ranitidine works by limiting the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Zantac was meant for short-term use. However, for many people, Zantac worked, so they would take it every day or in combination with other medications.
Zantac was known to cause the following side effects, per Healthline:
- Headaches
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Cognitive issues, such as confusion or agitation
- Shortness of breath
- An abnormal heart rate
Zantac use may have caused other side effects than those listed above.
There Are Alternatives to Zantac
Harvard Health Publishing acknowledges that Zantac and other heartburn medications that use ranitidine are dangerous. If you have taken Zantac in the past, now may be a good time to stop. There are alternatives to Zantac that deliver many of the same results without the risk of developing a life-threatening condition.
Some alternatives to Zantac include:
- Pepcid
- Nexium
- Prevacid
- Prilosec
You should always talk to your doctor before starting a new medication. They may be able to provide insight into other alternatives not listed here.
There Are Lawsuits Against Zantac
If you or a loved one developed a health complication as a result of taking Zantac, you could have a case against the drug’s manufacturer. For your case to be successful, you must prove that because you took Zantac, you developed cancer or another severe health complication. You may choose to file an independent lawsuit against Zantac, or you may join a mass tort.
Claimants are looking to recover compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses. If your case is successful, you could receive financial recovery for the costs associated with your medical treatment, including chemotherapy, medications, and hospitalization.
- Lost wages. If you developed cancer, you may have missed time from work. You may have been unable to work in your current position altogether. You may be able to secure compensation for lost income, employee benefits, tips, and bonuses.
- Pain and suffering. Claimants can receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional turmoil of their condition.
Some forms of cancer are deadly. Some claimants are filing wrongful death lawsuits, saying that because their loved one took Zantac, they passed away. Those people can recover compensation for funeral expenses, their loved ones’ final health care expenses, and other related damages.
Recover Compensation with the Help of a Lawyer
Pursuing compensation from a multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical company may seem like a lot to handle on your own. You may be unsure about what evidence could support your case. You may be unfamiliar with the process of filing an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Right now, you have the opportunity to work with a lawyer who could build your case. They can evaluate the facts of your situation and lay out your legal options.
A lawyer could aid your pursuit of compensation by:
Gathering Evidence
As noted, you will need to show that because you took Zantac, you got sick. However, your allegations must be based on various forms of evidence. Your lawyer can gather your medical records and speak with your health care team to compile forms of information that could build your case. They can also consult with third-party field experts who could support your case.
Explaining Your Legal Options
Again, as noted, you could either file your own lawsuit against Zantac or join a mass tort. Both options come with their own benefits. In an independent lawsuit, you do not have to divide your winnings with anyone. If the court awards you $1 million, then you get the entirety of that amount. However, if you join a mass tort, you could gain the resources offered by the other parties’ legal teams.
Your lawyer can provide a strategy based on the details of your situation.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Is by Your Side
Now that you understand what Zantac is, you may have many questions about your eligibility to file a lawsuit. At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we do not shy away from a tough legal battle. We have no problem going up against large corporations and defending our clients. To speak with a member of our team in a free case review, dial (855) 529-0269.
