Zantac Cancer Lawsuit

Zantac lawsuits claim Zantac can be contaminated with the cancer-causing substance called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Anyone who took Zantac and was later diagnosed with cancer should contact a lawyer for a free legal consultation regarding a potential Zantac cancer lawsuit.

Our law firm is investigating cases for those who took Zantac and were later diagnosed with bladder or stomach cancer. Our firm is recognized as a national leader in prosecuting drug companies for dubious drugs. We are listed in Best Law Firms in America 2020. Our firm founder, David Matthews, is recognized as one of the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers.

FDA Discovers Carcinogen in Zantac

The U.S. FDA reported on September 13, 2019 that it had discovered the carcinogenic contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Zantac (ranitidine). Zantac is common heartburn medication available in both prescription and over-the-counter versions.

The FDA advisory stated that the level of contamination is “low”; however, the levels the agency called low have been found to be between 3,000 and 26,000 times higher than what the FDA had determined to be “safe.”

First Zantac Lawsuit

The first Zantac lawsuit was filed in California the same day FDA issued its advisory. Plaintiffs in Zantac lawsuits accuse drug makers Sanofi and Boerhringer Ingelheim of manufacturing, marketing, and selling a product they knew or should have known had been contaminated with an industrial chemical known to cause cancer.

Investigating the Cause of NDMA Contamination

The exact cause of the NDMA contamination is still under investigation. Nevertheless, during the period in which Boerhinger Ingelheim and Sanofi manufactured and marketed Zantac, scientific research demonstrated a clear link between ranitidine – the active ingredient listed in Zantac – and NDMA. The research showed that when ranitidine comes into contact with water, the resultant chemical reaction creates NDMA.

Despite knowing this cancer cocktail was formed, the drug makers chose to hide that fact from the government and consumers.

NDMA, Zantac Complications, Symptoms

Besides causing cancer, NDMA is a potent hepatotoxin. Even short-term exposure to NDMA can cause liver damage, including liver fibrosis and scarring. Long-term exposure can also increase the risk of liver tumors, kidney tumors, lung tumors.

NDMA overexposure symptoms include headache; fever; nausea; jaundice; vomiting; abdominal cramps; enlarged liver; reduced function of the liver, kidneys, lungs; and dizziness.

Adverse effects linked with Zantac include:

Cancer
Liver, kidney, lung tumors
nervous system disorders
arrhythmia or tachycardia (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
vitamin B-12 deficiency
hepatitis, liver failure, and jaundice
increased risk of pneumonia
low platelet levels in the blood
skin rashes and hair loss

What is NDMA?

NDMA is used in aviation for rocket fuel and industrial lubricants. NDMA is also a by-product of several industrial processes, including gasoline refining and wastewater treatment.

NDMA is also used to induce carcinogenesis in laboratory rats for cancer research. NDMA can also be found in several food products such as cured meats. It’s also released in tobacco fumes. NDMA does not, however, appear to accumulate in tissues.

NDMA is Extremely Hazardous

NDMA is classified as “extremely hazardous,” under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA). Stringent reporting requirements, therefore, are supposed to guide companies and individuals who produce, store, or use NDMA in large quantities.

Do I have a Zantac Lawsuit?

If you took Zantac and have been diagnosed with bladder or stomach cancer, we will seek damages for you that include past and future:

medical expenses
pain and suffering
physical and mental injuries
wage loss
loss of enjoyment of life
punitive damages, if relevant

What is Zantac?

Zantac was once the top selling drugs in the world. It is available in both prescription and over the counter forms. In Sept. 2019, the FDA began investigating whether Zantac causes carcinogens to form in its users. It is suspected that Zantac causes levels of the probable carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) to rise in its users’ bodies.

Free Legal Consultation

If you or someone you love took Zantac and then developed cancer, contact our law firm today for a free legal consultation regarding a potential Zantac lawsuit.