On September 13, 2019, the FDA published a statement alerting patients and health care professionals about the presence of NDMA in some medications containing ranitidine, including some products commonly known as the brand-name drug Zantac.
NDMA, short for N-nitrosodimethylamine, is classified as a probable human carcinogen- or a substance that could cause cancer. Zantac, the brand-name drug-containing ranitidine, is a popular over-the-counter medication used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, and a sour stomach. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after taking this medication, you may be entitled to substantial compensation with help from a Cleveland Zantac lawyer. To learn more or discuss how to get started, consult with a dangerous drugs attorney with our firm today.
What is Zantac?
According to Web MD, Ranitidine is used to treat existing stomach and intestinal ulcers and prevent them from coming back once healed. Zantac is also used to treat various stomach problems, esophagus (throat) problems, and other issues such as:
- Heartburn
- Acid Indigestion
- Erosive esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
- Persistent cough
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Multiple endocrine neoplasias
Zantac has traditionally been available for purchase without a prescription for treatment of heartburn associated with acid ingestion and sour stomach. Prescription ranitidine has traditionally been approved for conditions such as stomach and intestinal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
How Can Zantac Cause Cancer?
There have been several studies demonstrating a link between NDMA and cancer. NDMA is a byproduct of industrial processes such as gasoline refining and wastewater treatment and is used also in aviation, rocket fuel, and industrial lubricants. Listed as “extremely hazardous” under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), NDMA has strict reporting requirements for companies using the substance in large amounts. Some evidence shows that large pharma companies producing ranitidine concealed the cancer link due to the profits they were seeing from selling the drug.
According to The New York Times, Zantac was the second drug to generate $1 billion in sales in 1987 and continued to provide a large revenue stream for these companies. If you have developed cancer after taking this medication, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Zantac stomach cancer attorneys have extensive experience in litigating these cases in Cleveland.
What Medications Contain Ranitidine?
Some general heartburn relief medications, acid reducer medications, and acid control medications can contain ranitidine. It’s important to read the label on the back of the medication box to see if ranitidine is listed in each medicine. Some of the most common medications containing ranitidine include:
- Zantac 150 Tablets
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
- Zantac 75 Tablets
- Wal-Zan 150
- Wal-Zan 75
When to Contact a Doctor About Ranitidine Use
In addition to potentially causing cancer, exposure to NDMA can also cause potential liver damage, kidney tumors, lung tumors, and more.
General symptoms related to the overexposure of NDMA can include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Reduced liver function
- Fever
- Nausea
- Jaundice
- Vomiting
Other harmful effects that have been associated with Zantac and ranitidine include:
- Skin rashes and hair loss
- Increased risk of pneumonia
- B-12 deficiency
- Nervous system disorders
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
Should I File a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit?
If you have ever taken Zantac and have since developed cancer, you may be entitled to compensation with help from Cleveland lawyers. Compensation may be provided for damages such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages from employment
- Temporary disability
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Hire a Cleveland Zantac Attorney
If you or a loved one has ever taken Zantac and is experiencing symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more speak to an attorney, fill out a contact form, or call our office, for a free consultation with a Cleveland Zanatac lawyer.
Cleveland, Ohio 44113