Unsafe levels of NDMA were discovered in Zantac in June of 2019, according to Valisure, the testing lab that made the discovery. By September of the same year, Valisure had submitted a petition with their findings to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA went on to issue a recall of ranitidine products in April of 2020. Since then, the drug has been unavailable in all of its forms, both over-the-counter and via prescription.
NDMA in Zantac
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a probable carcinogen that has been linked to causing cancer. NDMA may be linked to a variety of cancers, including the following:
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- And others
How NDMA Impurities Develop in Zantac
After FDA testing, it was found that NDMA levels in Zantac increase when stored over time and when exposed to higher temperatures. This means that even if you store your Zantac in a dark, cool place and use it in a timely manner, it may still have unsafe levels of NDMA due to factors outside of your control. These factors could include the amount of time it stayed on the shelf in the pharmacy, the temperature at which it was stored and transported, and more.
In its current state, there is no certain way to prevent Zantac and its generic form, ranitidine, from producing NDMA over time due to the instability of the drug’s main ingredient. This is why the FDA has decided to remove it from the market unless or until the drug is reformulated to ensure its stability.
What To Do if You Took Zantac
If you have been taking Zantac to manage stomach acid, you may want to take steps to address your health concerns now that it is no longer on the market.
Talk to Your Doctor
You should talk to your doctor about your concerns and your history of taking Zantac. Describe any unusual symptoms you have been experiencing. Your doctor can evaluate your situation to see if you need to be tested for any NDMA-related disease.
Your doctor could also recommend alternatives for managing your stomach acid without Zantac. There are other drugs similar to Zantac that are still on the market but have not been shown to have unsafe levels of ranitidine. These medications are called H2 blockers.
Additionally, there are other stomach acid relievers called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that your doctor may be able to prescribe for you.
Try Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical solutions, there may also be lifestyle solutions to your heartburn problems. You may want to try limiting your intake of certain foods that can cause acid reflux, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and greasy foods.
Changing when and how you eat may also offer some relief. Refrain from exercising or lying down right after you eat, as this can bring acid up into the esophagus from the stomach. Eating slowly could also help. Your doctor can advise you of additional steps you can take to manage your stomach acid without ranitidine.
You Could Seek Compensation for Your Costs and Losses
If you have developed a disease such as cancer or other health issues after taking Zantac, you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries through a lawsuit. The drug companies who produced this dangerous drug were negligent in allowing you to get hurt. You could hold them accountable for their actions.
A lawyer can pursue compensation on your behalf by:
- Gathering evidence of your health condition, including medical records
- Linking your health condition to the use of Zantac, using expert witness testimony if necessary
- Showing that you suffered losses and costs due to your health problems, such as medical treatment needs and lost income
These cases can be complex, but an injury lawyer can help you present a compelling case if you were harmed by the makers of this dangerous drug.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Can Fight for Your Compensation
At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to fight for victims of negligence. In one case, we were able to recover $22.1 million after a defective product led to a catastrophic brain injury. When you work with our firm, you can also expect to work directly with the partners throughout the process–not a case manager.
Reach out to a lawyer today to discuss your options and learn more about when NDMA was discovered in Zantac. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (855) 529-0269 to receive your free consultation and to learn more about our firm.
