Zantac (ranitidine) has been prescribed to treat gastrointestinal acid disorders since 1999. In April 2020, Zantac’s makers recalled both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions of the drug over concerns that it contained dangerous levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a cancer-causing chemical. Studies found that NDMA concentrations in ranitidine products grew over time, especially after heat exposure. Because of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers and patients to stop using Zantac or ranitidine products.
Since the recall, thousands of Zantac users who later developed cancer have filed lawsuits against Pfizer, the drug’s manufacturer. Loncar Lyon Jenkins’ dangerous drug attorneys help clients file claims against large pharmaceutical companies, including Zantac lawsuits. If you suffered severe or life-altering Zantac side effects, including cancer, call us today for a free consultation to learn more about your right to seek compensation for your losses.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine hydrochloride. Initially manufactured by Pfizer, the FDA approved Zantac in October 1999 for treating heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers. It is a histamine-2 receptor that reduces acid in the gastrointestinal system. While the FDA approved Zantac for reducing excess stomach acid, studies indicate that the main ingredient can create a carcinogenic substance as it breaks down.
What Are Zantac’s Side Effects?
Zantac was in use for more than 30 years before it was discontinued in 2020. While in use, the drug had the potential to cause a wide range of negative side effects, including:
- Headache
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain
You could seek compensation for your injuries if you suffered an injury because of Zantac’s side effects.
Cancer Risks in Zantac Patients
In January 2020, Emery Pharma submitted a study to the FDA that indicated ranitidine produced unsafe amounts of NDMA when exposed to heat. In fact, Dr. Ron Najafi, M.D., the CEO of Emery Pharma, stated that “even limited exposure of Ranitidine to high heat, such as in a hot car or a delivery truck, could cause problems.”
A 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) further established that ranitidine yields significantly higher levels of NDMA when exposed to acid and heat, conditions typically found in the human gastrointestinal system. Per a study in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, NDMA exposure can cause tumors in the test animals’ livers, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tracts.
Studies on NDMA’s effects prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA to classify it as a potentially carcinogenic substance and enforce limits on the amount of NDMA present in prescription drugs, water, cosmetics, and food.
Cancer Diagnoses Lead to Lawsuits
As of May 2022, thousands of individuals have sued Pfizer for cancer diagnoses they believe are related to Zantac’s NDMA side effects. If you or a loved one took Zantac, either prescription or OTC, for longer than one year and have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries.
Can I Sue Zantac’s Manufacturer for a Cancer Diagnosis?
Drug manufacturers and distributors have a duty to ensure their products are safe for consumption. This includes rigorous testing for contaminants and by-products. If the manufacturer or distributor is remiss in their duties, they could be liable for the injuries their consumers suffered.
As such, cancer patients with a history of Zantac or ranitidine use can seek compensation for costs associated with their illness. A dangerous drugs lawyer at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can examine your claim and help you determine whether you have grounds to file a Zantac injury lawsuit against a Zantac manufacturer or distributor.
- Damages you may be able to seek include:
- Medical treatment and hospital bills
- Lost income, current and future
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
The damages you can claim for your Zantac-related injury or illness will depend on your case’s circumstances. Even if you do not have a cancer diagnosis, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. To ensure you are filing for the full range of your economic and non-economic damages, you can work with our attorney, who is familiar with defective drug lawsuits.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Zantac Side Effects Attorney?
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, we are committed to holding companies responsible for the injuries they cause through negligent and harmful practices. We are accepting Zantac injury claims on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay any fees up front. Instead, we collect fees from your settlement if and when we win your case. We will handle the negotiations and legal filings so that you can focus on your health and recovery.
If you aren’t sure if you have a valid case for your Zantac injury claim, reach out to our office for a free consultation. Our drug injury lawyers will examine your case and help you decide on your next steps.
During the past 20 years, we have negotiated claims and litigated cases against pharmaceutical companies across the U.S. We believe in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their harmful actions. We will not hesitate to pursue your claim against the largest drug companies in the world.
Call Us Today About Your Zantac Side Effects Injury Claim
If you or a loved one received a cancer diagnosis after using Zantac or ranitidine after longtime use, reach out to the dangerous drug attorneys at Loncar Lyon Jenkins to discuss your legal rights. No matter how complex your case, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to represent you.
Call our firm to connect with dangerous drugs lawyers today and discuss your Zantac injury claim. Our legal team will provide you with a free case evaluation to determine whether you have grounds to file a claim against Pfizer or another manufacturer or distributor. If we decide to take your case, we will pursue your right to fair compensation in negotiations and before the court.
