In 2019, independent tests indicated that there were unsafe levels of a cancer-causing carcinogen in Zantac and the generic forms of the medication, ranitidine. Major pharmacies all over the US began to take these medications off their shelves, and now the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally requested that manufacturers pull all of these drugs from the market. The West Virginia product liability attorneys at Tiano O’Dell, PLLC are here to help you recover the compensation you need if you have been harmed due to Zantac.
Zantac Resources
- What is Zantac?
- When Did the FDA Request Zantac’s Removal?
- What is NDMA?
- Does Zantac Cause Cancer?
- What are Ranitidine’s Side Effects?
What is Zantac?
Zantac is a popular medication used to treat an array of conditions, including heartburn and acid reflux, as well as other stomach, throat, and gastrointestinal conditions. Zantac is chemically known as ranitidine hydrochloride.
In most cases, dosages range from 75 to 150-milligram tablets. However, there are 300mg tablets that can be taken by patients once a day.
FDA Requests Removal: April 1, 2020
On April 1, 2020, the FDA announced that they were requesting that the makers of Zantac (Sanofi), as well as the manufacturers of all versions of ranitidine, immediately remove the medications from the market. This recall notice followed testing that indicated high levels of the cancer-causing carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were present in the medication.
The FDA has directed any consumers who currently have prescriptions or over the counter versions of Zantac or other types of ranitidine to immediately dispose of the medications and speak to their doctors about alternatives.
What is NDMA?
The Environmental Protection Agency has labeled N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) as a cancer-causing carcinogen. Dr. William Mitch, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and wastewater expert at Stanford University, says that NDMA acts as a carcinogen “because it modifies your DNA.” The chemical has been shown to increase cancer risk in animals.
Does Zantac Cause Cancer?
There have been over 100 lawsuits against the makers of Zantac and the makers of other ranitidine products. The plaintiffs claim that these medications led to them developing cancer. The FDA says that it is safe for humans to consume only 96 nanograms of NDMA per day. However, testing indicated that Zantac 150 mg tablets could contain as much as 2,500,000 nanograms of NDMA.
Side Effects of Ranitidine
Ranitidine has several serious side effects aside from the possibility of patients developing cancer. This includes:
- headaches
- drowsiness, dizziness
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- decreased sex drive
- swollen or tender breasts (for men)
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- diarrhea, constipation
Some people experience more severe side effects, such as stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, and more.
Contact a West Virginia Product Liability Lawyer
If you or someone you care about has taken Zantac or a generic version of ranitidine and become ill, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Tiano O’Dell, PLLC, we are ready to help you through this. Our goal is to investigate what happened and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This could include:
- Cost of any medical bills
- Lost income if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against the manufacturers of these medications
If you need a West Virginia product liability attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation online or by calling (304) 720-6700.