In 2019, the FDA warned that Zantac, a medication used to treat heartburn, may cause cancer. Patients who took Zantac and have since been diagnosed with cancer are now filing lawsuits against the drug manufacturer for failing to warn of this danger.
Recently Zantac was found to be contaminated with NDMA—a probable carcinogen. Patients who took Zantac and have since been diagnosed with bladder, stomach, and other forms of cancer are now filing lawsuits against the manufacturer for failing to warn of the drug’s health risks.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with cancer while taking or after taking Zantac, you may qualify for compensation. Contact our dangerous drug experts at MedFault to learn more.
What is Zantac, and What is it Used For?
Zantac was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1983. The generic name for Zantac is Ranitidine. It is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist which means that it helps to reduce the amount of acid that is produced by the stomach.
Zantac is used to treat stomach ulcers and conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It can also be used to treat conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which is where the stomach produces too much acid, or be used to help heal stomach damage caused by taking medications that damage the stomach lining.
From 2000 to 2006, Zantac was manufactured by Pfizer. The current major manufacturer is Sanofi.
Possible Zantac Complications
Any time you take a medication, you may experience side effects. Most people experience minor side effects related to taking medications. Underneath the broad category of side effects are adverse effects which are “any undesired harmful effects or effects that cause undesired outcomes.”
One of the main concerns related to the use of Zantac is the possibility of developing cancer. This is because the FDA discovered traces of a carcinogen in the drug. This was not discovered until Zantac had been on the market for decades.
Zantac Side Effects and Adverse Effects
Side Effects
Common Zantac side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
Adverse effects
While rare, it is possible to experience the following:
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Chest tightness or difficulty breathing
- Swollen or painful glands
- Bladder cancer
- Stomach cancer
It was found that a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was present in medications containing ranitidine. Zantac is currently unavailable in the United States because of this serious risk.
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FDA Warns of Zantac’s Cancer Risk
Zantac was first approved for use in the United States in 1983. It was commonly used to treat conditions like heartburn and was available for many years as both a prescription and over-the-counter medication.
On September 13, 2019, the FDA warned health care professionals and patients about the possibility of carcinogen-related agents in medications containing ranitidine. This included the medication Zantac.
At this time, there was not an official request to remove medications containing ranitidine from the market. But the FDA recommended that people taking ranitidine to talk to their doctors if they were interested in switching medications.
They also noted that people who took ranitidine over the counter could switch to a different medication. The FDA further encouraged health care professionals to report any adverse effects experienced by their patients who were taking ranitidine.
On April 1, 2020, the FDA officially requested manufacturers to withdraw all ranitidine drugs from the drug market. This included prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine drugs.
In spite of this removal, some patients who took Zantac before it was pulled from the market are battling cancer to this day. As a result, these individuals are pursuing legal action against the manufacturer for failing to warn of the drug’s potential to cause cancer.
Zantac Cancer Lawsuits
When people choose to file dangerous drug lawsuits, it is often against the manufacturer of the medication. They are usually related to accusations that the manufacturer failed to warn people of the potential risks of taking the medication. These lawsuits most often occur when the complication of taking the medication is not outweighed by the benefit.
In the case of Zantac, the main area of concern is the risk of people developing cancer after taking Zantac. This is a serious health concern that can result in death.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Sanofi for failing to warn patients of the risk of developing cancer after taking Zantac. These lawsuits may result in compensation for patients to help cover their medical costs and pain and suffering.
Our Legal Advocates are Here to Help You
If you have taken Zantac and developed severe health problems like cancer, you may be eligible to pursue legal action against the manufacturers.
The team at MedFault is ready to help you navigate these difficult circumstances and explore your legal options. Our dangerous drug experts work with a network of trusted lawyers who have obtained justice against some of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the country. They have the skills and resources to help you navigate the complexities of filing a lawsuit.
Find out if you may qualify for compensation during a free legal consultation.