In recent years, Zantac, a popular medication used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, has been the subject of multiple lawsuits in the United States. The lawsuits allege that the drug’s active ingredient, ranitidine, can break down into a cancer-causing substance called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) when stored at higher temperatures or for prolonged periods. In this blog, we will explore the Zantac lawsuits in the USA in more detail.
What is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine, a medication that is used to treat stomach and intestinal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions where excess stomach acid is produced. It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Zantac is available over-the-counter and by prescription.
What are the Zantac lawsuits?
The Zantac lawsuits allege that the drug’s manufacturer, Sanofi, and other companies that produce and sell ranitidine products, knew or should have known that the drug could break down into NDMA, a known carcinogen, when stored at higher temperatures or for prolonged periods. The lawsuits also allege that the defendants failed to warn consumers about the potential risks of taking the drug.
The first Zantac lawsuit was filed in California in 2019. Since then, thousands of other lawsuits have been filed in federal and state courts across the country. The lawsuits seek damages for individuals who developed cancer after taking Zantac, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, stomach cancer, and other types of cancer.
In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the removal of all ranitidine products from the market after finding that the levels of NDMA in some ranitidine products could increase over time and when stored at higher temperatures. The FDA’s request for removal was based on the agency’s ongoing investigation into the presence of NDMA in ranitidine products.
What are the potential outcomes of the Zantac lawsuits?
The Zantac lawsuits are still ongoing, and it is unclear what the potential outcomes may be. However, the lawsuits could result in significant financial settlements or judgments against the drug’s manufacturer and other companies that produce and sell ranitidine products.
Individuals who have developed cancer after taking Zantac may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. In some cases, the damages could be substantial, especially for individuals who have developed advanced or metastatic cancer.
What should individuals who have taken Zantac do?
Individuals who have taken Zantac and developed cancer should speak with their doctor as soon as possible. They may also wish to speak with an attorney who has experience handling Zantac lawsuits.
It is important to note that not everyone who has taken Zantac will develop cancer. The risk of developing cancer may depend on a variety of factors, including the length of time the drug was taken, the dosage, and the individual’s overall health and lifestyle factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Zantac lawsuits in the USA highlight the potential risks associated with taking certain medications. If you have taken Zantac and developed cancer, you may be able to recover damages for your losses. Speak with your doctor and an attorney to learn more about your legal options.