If you are wondering why you are unable to find Zantac on the shelves at your local pharmacy, it’s because the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled the product. On April 1, 2020, the FDA issued a press release that requested all manufacturers of ranitidine products, both prescription and over the counter, remove their products from the market. Zantac, which is a well-known brand name for ranitidine, was included in this recall.
The Reason Why Zantac Was Recalled
It was on September 13, 2019, when the FDA first began issuing warnings regarding the use of Zantac. The drug, which has been around for years and has been used by millions of Americans, was generally used to treat various gastrointestinal conditions, including heartburn. Unfortunately, after analyzing samples of Zantac, the FDA found evidence of a chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a part of a family of potent carcinogens, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Although NDMA can be found in food and water, the FDA grew concerned that even low levels of the chemical that were found in Zantac products could potentially pose as a risk to a patient’s health who used it to treat acid ingestion or to relieve their heartburn. As the months went on, the FDA began issuing additional warnings regarding the use of ranitidine medicines and even sent out a voluntary recall of certain ranitidine products.
The Investigation Continues
The FDA continued investigating Zantac and other ranitidine products and eventually came to the conclusion that the levels of NDMA in some ranitidine products “increase over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures.” This could result in a consumer being exposed to unsafe levels of the chemical. In fact, new testing that was conducted by a third-party laboratory confirmed that even when NDMA was stored under normal conditions, the levels of NDMA could increase, according to the FDA.
In addition, the testing also showed that older ranitidine products had greater levels of NDMA in them. After gathering all of the evidence and determining that there are alarming levels of NDMA in some Zantac products as well as other ranitidine products, the FDA requested that all manufacturers pull their products from the market and suggested that anyone who was taking the medication stop. Many stores, including CVS and Walgreens, also began taking precautions and removed generic versions of ranitidine, as well as Zantac, from their shelves, according to the Harvard Health Blog. It is for this reason why you can no longer find Zantac.
The Dangers of Ingesting NDMA
Because NDMA is considered a human carcinogen, there is a chance that those who ingest the chemical could develop cancer. Although there are low levels of NDMA found in our food and water, the FDA suggests it is not enough to increase the chances of a person being diagnosed with cancer. However, when an individual is exposed to higher levels of NDMA, then the likelihood of them developing cancer is much greater.
The EPA also says individuals who are exposed to high levels of NDMA might suffer liver damage and may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Headaches
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Enlarged liver
- Nausea
If you took Zantac and were diagnosed with cancer, there is a chance your condition could have developed as a result of ingesting NDMA. Being diagnosed with cancer is not only overwhelming to accept as cancer can only be treated and not cured, but it also extremely costly. In 2012, several of the cancer drugs that were approved for use by the FDA were priced at $100,000 per year, according to AARP.
Between the physical, psychological, and financial effects cancer might be having on you, it is only fair that if your condition was brought on by a product like Zantac that was presumed to be safe for consumption, the manufacturer of it is held financially liable.
If You Were Diagnosed with Cancer After Taking Zantac, Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Is Here to Help You
If you took Zantac or even a generic form of Zantac and were diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To find out if you have a case against the makers of Zantac or even another manufacturer, contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (855) 529-0269. The partners at our firm are committed to helping protect the rights of those who have been harmed by taking a product they assumed was safe and will fight for the best possible outcome. If you were diagnosed with cancer and are looking to find a team of lawyers who are going to support you and help you seek justice against the makers of Zantac, Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers is ready to take your call.
