At least one lawsuit is pending by patients put at risk of developing cancer because of the antacid and antihistamine Zantac, as well as its generic form ranitidine. Multidistrict litigation (MDL) 2924 is one such lawsuit, and the plaintiff in the case alleges that:
- Zantac contains the chemical compound N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)
- NDMA has been categorized as a carcinogen and therefore is dangerous to those who consumed Zantac or its generic form, ranitidine
- GlaxoSmithKline (known as Glaxo) encouraged behaviors, such as high-nitrate diets, that may have increased the risk of NDMA developing in those who consumed Zantac or generic ranitidine
If you or your loved one took Zantac, generic ranitidine, or another pharmaceutical equivalent of these antacids, then you may have also been exposed to a heightened risk of developing cancer. You could be eligible to join an existing lawsuit against Zantac or bring an individual lawsuit based on any danger to which you were exposed.
Explaining Zantac, Ranitidine, and the Health Threat They Pose
Zantac is an antacid and antihistamine which, along with its generic version ranitidine, has been linked to certain types of cancer, according to USA Today. Despite becoming one of the most commonly prescribed and used medications in the world—it is prescribed roughly 15 million times two years, per USA Today—it has now come to light that ranitidine and Zantac may be inherently unstable and dangerous to those who consume it.
The chemical compound at the heart of allegations of Zantac’s danger is NDMA. According to MDL 2924, NDMA:
- Is primarily used to intentionally produce tumors in lab animals so that treatments for those tumors may be tested
- Is a potential byproduct of ranitidine, a key element of Zantac and pharmaceutical equivalents, breaking down inside of the human body
- May produce tumors in the human body, potentially impacting critical organs such as the liver, pancreas, esophagus, stomach, bladder, intestine, and kidneys
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has since agreed that ranitidine, and by extension Zantac, pose a health threat to consumers. It requested that pharmaceutical manufacturers remove all products containing ranitidine, including Zantac, from the consumer market in April 2020.
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ClientConsumers are Taking Legal Action for Zantac’s Dangers
MDL 2924 contains at least 140 individual cases for plaintiffs who believe that they or their loved one were put at risk by ranitidine in Zantac, according to the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. This number may grow as more people become aware of the danger that Zantac and generic ranitidine posed to their health.
According to Pharmacy & Therapeutics, you could be eligible to bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Zantac if the company:
- Sold a product that ultimately proved to be unsafe beyond the possible side effects listed plainly by the manufacturer
- Did not clearly spell out ways that the drug could be unsafe, such as if Zantac was consumed along with a high-nitrate diet
- Did not conduct proper testing to determine the potential dangers of the drug
You could also be eligible to bring a lawsuit against additional parties who may have exposed you to the product, such as a medical professional. A doctor may be liable for your losses if:
- They did not warn you of the known risks of taking Zantac
- They did not do their due diligence to discover other possible risks of taking Zantac
Regulatory bodies such as the FDA may bear some legal responsibility for the dangers posed by Zantac and generic ranitidine.
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Rick Smith | ClientPossible Awards From a Zantac or Ranitidine Lawsuit
Possible losses that you have sustained after taking Zantac, generic ranitidine, or another pharmaceutical equivalent may vary according to:
- The duration for which you took the medication
- The amount of the medication that you consumed during that period
- The nature and severity of any cancer that you have developed
- The end effect of the cancer that may be the result of ranitidine in Zantac or another medication
A lawyer can assist you in pursuing compensation for your losses, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- A diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- A diminished quality of life
- Losses related to a wrongful death
You can speak with a legal team today to find out more about the process of joining or initiating a lawsuit against Zantac.
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ClientLaborde Earles Injury Lawyers Want to Help
We are a family-oriented practice, and we will assist you with any Zantac or ranitidine-related litigation that you are eligible to bring. Call our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.
