Zantac Cancer Litigation: What You Need to Know
If you have taken Zantac or another ranitidine medication on a regular basis, you are likely wondering what the drug recall and litigation mean for you. Below are answers to a few common questions. We welcome you to contact our law firm at (619) 238-1811 if you have additional questions or need legal assistance.
- Why did the FDA remove Zantac and other ranitidine drugs from the market?
Following preliminary testing in 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now investigating levels of a carcinogen called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine drugs. The FDA found that the amount of NDMA increases in Zantac and other ranitidine medication over time and as temperature increases. NDMA may increase the risk of cancer in people who have been exposed to unacceptable levels over an extended period of time. Since millions of people have Zantac prescriptions, many of whom take the medication regularly for heartburn therapy, the FDA requested manufacturers immediately withdraw all prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine drugs from the market.
The FDA noted that patients with ranitidine prescriptions should speak with their health care providers about other treatment options before stopping. Consumers who take over-the-counter ranitidine medications have been advised to stop.
- What kind of cancer have Zantac users developed?
The primary types of cancer linked to Zantac use include:
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- Abdominal
- Bladder
- Brain
- Breast
- Colon
- Colorectal
- Esophageal / throat / nose
- Gastric/stomach
- Intestinal
- Kidney
- Liver
- Lung
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Ovarian
- Pancreatic
- Testicular
- Thyroid
- Uterine
- Is there a lawsuit for people who have cancer and took Zantac?
Some ranitidine users who have been diagnosed with cancer have filed lawsuits against the drug makers for their failure to adequately test the medications or warn the public of the NDMA risk.
On February 6, 2020, multidistrict litigation (MDL) was filed in the Southern District of Florida (MDL No. 2924) on behalf of people who were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac. An MDL is a gathering of several cases into one court when they cover similar issues. Fifteen plaintiffs were consolidated into the MDL, and more than 100 lawsuits are pending around the country.
- Am I eligible to file a lawsuit?
CaseyGerry is currently accepting inquiries from those who have been affected by the drug. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac regularly for at least a year prior to your cancer diagnosis, you may be able to join the litigation against the makers of the drug. Please complete the questionnaire here. All your information will be kept private, and there is no obligation when you submit. Our team at CaseyGerry is staying up to date on the latest developments in the litigation, and we are prepared and highly qualified to help you. Once you submit your questionnaire, we will contact you to discuss your situation. We also welcome you to contact our law firm at (619) 238-1811. A member of our team can answer your questions and explain your options.
