Zantac Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer

Notice: At this time we are no longer accepting cases related to Zantac cancer claims. However, if you have questions about other mass tort or personal injury cases that we are currently accepting, please call or fill out our case evaluation form.

If you or a loved one took Zantac and are now dealing with a cancer diagnosis or some other type of health condition, you may be eligible for compensation for your damages. Millions of people who took the over-the-counter product were shocked to learn the federal government pulled it from store shelves due to a cancer-causing ingredient found in Zantac and other generic forms of medication containing ranitidine.

In April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested all manufacturers to pull any prescription and over-the-counter drugs containing ranitidine (Zantac) from the market. This was due to the discovery of dangerous levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a contaminant listed as a probable human carcinogen, found in these products. A lawyer from our firm can investigate your Zantac cancer case, determine the liable party or parties, and file a lawsuit to hold them legally accountable for your injuries and other losses.

Why People Took Zantac

At one point in time, Reuters reported that Zantac was one of the most popular, enduring drugs on the planet. However, in recent months, the drug has been deemed a possible health hazard due to its heightened risk of causing cancer and other health issues.

The drug was taken by those who:

• Suffered from bouts of heartburn
• Had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Had or could develop acid that damaged their esophagus
• Had stomach or intestinal ulcers
• Had any other conditions related to acid production in the stomach

Glaxo Holdings Ltd. began selling Zantac to consumers in 1983, claiming to help consumers with acid-caused discomfort. It became apparent through Zantac’s sales that there was a significant need in the market for an effective antacid, and that Glaxo Holdings Ltd.’s product marketing efforts proved successful.

Possible Side Effects of Zantac

Zantac could be prescribed either by a medical professional or purchased over the counter. Like many other medications, it was not without its side effects.

Some of the published side effects of the drug included:

• Liver problems, which could include inflammation, abdominal pain, and fatigue resulting from suboptimal liver function, per Healthline
• Diminished mental capacity, which could lead to mood changes and confusion, among other cognitive deficits
• Problems affecting the heart, such as an elevated heart rate and difficulty breathing

Consumers were seemingly accepting of these risks in order to experience the benefits of Zantac and its generic version, ranitidine. Consumers were not told, however, that taking Zantac could eventually lead to cancer. For this reason, many mass torts and independent lawsuits are evolving nationwide to hold the makers of Zantac and its generic financially responsible for their actions. Plaintiffs are stating that because they were not warned of the drug’s ability to cause cancer, they developed health complications they would not have otherwise.

If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Zantac or the generic ranitidine, a lawyer from our firm can help you explore your legal options with a Zantac cancer lawsuit.

Can I File a Zantac Lawsuit?

You may be able to file a Zantac lawsuit if you believe that you or a loved one’s cancer was caused by taking Zantac or a generic form. Pharmacy & Therapeutics details some of the conditions under which you may sue a drug manufacturer.

You or your loved one may have grounds for a Zantac cancer lawsuit if:

• You believe the drug you took, whether it is Zantac, generic ranitidine, or another medication containing ranitidine, caused or contributed to your illness.
• You believe the medical professional who prescribed you Zantac or ranitidine failed to notify you of possible risk factors.
• Zantac’s packaging, marketing, or published literature failed to warn you of the possibility of developing cancer.

Pharmacy & Therapeutics cited lawsuits that suggest while the FDA may approve a drug for use, drug manufacturers must still uphold a standard of safety. At the very least, drug manufacturers must be open about the possible risks of a medication so that consumers can make informed decisions about their health.

While there is precedent for suing the FDA, according to The Hill and The Washington Post, depending on your situation, you may be able to sue other parties.

You may be able to file a lawsuit against the makers of Zantac or its generic form, which include:

• Sanofi, the manufacturer of Zantac
• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, which have all had a stake in over-the-counter Zantac in the recent past, according to Business Wire
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the original manufacturer of Zantac (then called Glaxo Holdings Ltd.), and one of the defendants named by in New Jersey District Courtin 2019

The defendant (or defendants) named in any lawsuit that you bring or join may depend on the specific form of Zantac or ranitidine that you took, and who produced it. You and your legal team will need to prove you were harmed by the drug in question and were not reasonably notified of its potential to cause health complications. You may be able to file an independent lawsuit or join a mass tort.

What Kind of Cancer does Zantac Cause?

According to the American Journal of Managed Care, an active ingredient in Zantac may cause cancer.

Some of the types of cancer noted in MDL 2924 include:

• Intestinal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Kidney cancer

Scientific American goes on to cite a study that reinforces these findings, stating that “acid suppressive drugs are associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.”

Many claimants who are involved in lawsuits against Zantac claim that the active ingredient in the medication, ranitidine, is inherently unstable in a way that could cause cancer.

In 2019, findings from Valisure discovered that the amount of carcinogenic NDMA was an unavoidable byproduct of ranitidine breaking down in the body. In other words, a carcinogenic chemical compound (NDMA) may be excreted as the result of your body breaking down Zantac. MDL 2924 goes even further in its critique of Zantac as it pertains to NDMA.

The lawsuit points out that:

• Urine samples from those who took ranitidine contained 400 times the normal level of NDMA than what is considered safe
• NDMA has been used – and may be primarily used – to intentionally grow tumors in animals in scientific studies

These findings are consistent with the plaintiffs’ assertions that they were put at risk of developing cancer because they were not told that ranitidine may produce elevated amounts of NDMA in their system. Regardless of the type of cancer claimants developed, they are asserting they were not warned of the drug’s potential to cause life-threatening complications.

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in My Zantac Cancer Case?

Some of the items claimants are hoping to recover through litigation include:

• Medical expenses.This includes diagnostic procedures, treatment methods, and hospitalization.
• Lost wages.This includes time missed from work to attend doctor’s appointments, treatments, and rehabilitation sessions. Claimants state that having regular cancer treatments takes time from their job, jeopardizing their financial stability.
• Psychological trauma.Claimants are seeking to recover the cost of non-economic damages associated with the anguish of going through chemotherapy or radiation, the fear of having their cancer return, and the possible long-term side effects of treatment.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. This includes activities and events you may no longer be able to enjoy before you developed cancer and had to undergo the resulting treatment.

If you or a loved one developed cancer as a result of taking Zantac or its generic form, regardless of what type of cancer it is, you could still have grounds for a lawsuit.

What is the Lawsuit Against Zantac?

The most prominent lawsuit against the manufacturers of Zantac is multidistrict litigation (MDL) 2924. MDL 2924 contains 140 individual actions that allege that Zantac or its generic form caused unexpected health complications, according to figures provided by the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).

The lawsuit against Zantac hinges on a chemical compound known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines NDMA as a “probable human carcinogen.”

MDL 2924 is based on multiple claims, some of which allege that:

• Ranitidine, the active ingredient in Zantac, is intrinsically unstable and likely to break down into NDMA as the body digests it.
• The buildup of NDMA into unsafe levels in your body may produce various forms of cancer.
• You may be at a heightened risk of developing cancer if you took Zantac or ranitidine.
• Plaintiffs involved in MDL 2924 developed cancer after taking ranitidine.

The 140 individual actions that make up MDL 2924 are being compiled into a single lawsuit being tried in the Southern District of Florida’s District Court. Multidistrict litigation now makes up more than half of federal civil cases, according to the American Bar Association, and product liability MDLs (such as the one against Zantac) are among the most popular case types.

Advantages of Joining an MDL

There may be several benefits to combining individual actions against one or more defendants into multidistrict litigation, including:

• Plaintiffs with similar (or the same) grievances against a common defendant can combine their legal resources into a single case.
• Because multiple cases may be heard as a single lawsuit in a single district court, there is less chance of conflicting verdicts.
• The judicial system uses fewer resources, as trying each case individually would exhaust more of the court’s time.
• Plaintiffs may incur fewer costs during litigation since they might find strength in numbers and combined resources.

You or a loved one may be eligible to join MDL 2924, which is currently the leading mass lawsuit against Zantac and its generic ranitidine.

If you would like to learn more about bringing a Zantac cancer lawsuit, we encourage you to reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. During a free consultation, you can speak to a member of our team about the details of your situation and learn about your eligibility to file a lawsuit against the makers of Zantac. Furthermore, our team can provide insight into what a Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyer can do for you.

Can I sue Zantac?

You may sue Zantac – or more accurately, the manufacturers of Zantac – if you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer at any point after taking the antacid or its generic version.

You may have grounds for a lawsuit if:

• You suffered one or more losses that may have occurred because you took Zantac
• Those losses include a health complication, such as cancer
• An identifiable party (which may include the makers of Zantac) neglected to inform you of the drug’s risks, one of which may include its ability to cause cancer

The same criteria may be grounds for you to bring a wrongful death lawsuit, with the notable difference being that somebody died because of the actions (or inaction) by the defendant(s) named in your lawsuit.

When thinking about taking legal action, consider whether you or a loved one suffered avoidable harm and if that harm could be directly linked to Zantac or its generic form. If this is the case, you may have the grounds for a lawsuit.

Information to Discuss During Your Initial, Free Consultation

Some of the factors that may be relevant to your case, include:

• What type of cancer you or your loved one was diagnosed with
• Whether that type of cancer is associated with ranitidine
• When you took a medication containing ranitidine
• How long you took a medication containing ranitidine
• In what dosage you took a medication containing ranitidine
• What other losses, whether they are financial, professional, psychological, physical, or otherwise, you have endured because of cancer possibly caused by ingesting ranitidine

The details of your situation will have far-reaching impacts on many elements of your case, including how much compensation you can pursue and the strength of your claim. If you ultimately decide to move forward with legal action, you have the option of either representing yourself or working with a professional. A lawyer from our firm who handles Zantac cancer cases can provide many services that could benefit your case.

For instance, they can consult with a third-party medical professional to learn more about your illness and whether it can be tied to ranitidine use. They may also be able to gather evidence that may not have been previously available to you. Additionally, they can advise you on whether your case is better suited as an independent lawsuit or part of a larger mass tort.

What Should I Do if a Loved One Or I Was Affected By Zantac?

If Zantac use affected you or a loved one, you may have various options for how to proceed. One of the first steps you can take to protect your legal interests is by working with a lawyer from our firm on your Zantac cancer lawsuit. They can determine your eligibility by first listening to the facts of your case and determining whether you have the basis of a civil action. From there, they can help you identify the party (or parties) responsible for your economic and non-economic damages.

Your lawyer will be tasked with various undertakings while you focus on your health and well-being. However, there are measures you can take on your own behalf, which could serve to benefit your case.

Some of these measures include:

• Collecting any information that you have about the specific form of ranitidine or Zantac that you took
• Collecting and organizing any receipts, prescriptions, or other forms of documentation that show you purchased the drug that caused your illness
• Creating a timeline that documents when you took Zantac, for how long, and in what amount
• Keeping any medical records you have regarding your diagnosis

If you are considering bringing legal action related to ranitidine, then you or your loved one may have developed cancer.

It may also benefit you in the near or long-term future to:

• Document the specific form of cancer that you or your loved one developed
• Think about what losses you have suffered because of cancer (financial, physical, emotional, or otherwise) and document them in preparation for litigation
• Seek any documentation, such as treatment logs, scans, and medical bills, as they may be relevant in proving the extent and value of your losses

A conversation with a lawyer or our team may give you further guidance into how you can prepare for any legal action that you are considering. You may also find that a legal team may be able to handle most, if not all, of the legal requirements necessary to start and complete your lawsuit.

What Will it Cost to Hire a Zantac Attorney?

If you choose Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to represent you in your Zantac lawsuit, then it will cost nothing to hire a Zantac attorney. The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers works on a contingency-fee basis, which means that:

• You do not have to pay any money for it to begin pursuing financial recovery on your behalf.
• You can be the beneficiary of your team’s legal services without having to spend your hard-earned money, go into debt, or otherwise deplete your financial resources.
• You will not owe your legal team its attorney’s fees if it cannot get compensation for your losses.
• Your legal team will take a mutually agreed-upon percentage out of the compensation it gets for you as payment for its services.

Lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis may do so for a number of reasons.

Some benefits of contingency fee representation include:

• Those who have a need for legal representation can receive help from a lawyer regardless of their financial standing or means.
• Lawyers can choose to represent the strongest cases instead of basing decisions on which clients can pay up front.
• Contingency fee-based representation may allow those who would otherwise go unrepresented to seek justice with the help of an attorney.
• Lawyers are heavily invested in achieving a positive outcome for clients who are represented on a contingency-fee basis, as the lawyer only receives payment if they can get compensation on their client’s behalf.

There are no hidden strings with contingency-fee representation. Your lawyer will take payment for their services out of the compensation they get for you. This means that from the very beginning, you will understand how much representation costs. If your lawyer is unsuccessful in pursuing your legal interests, then you are not obliged to pay for certain aspects of representation.

Contingency fee-based representation is arguably the legal equivalent of “nothing to lose, much to gain.” Because you are not taking a financial risk by seeking legal assistance, you stand to gain financial compensation through a settlement agreement or court award.

If you are interested in learning more about how a lawyer from our firm may assist you with your Zantac cancer lawsuit, or how exactly contingency fee-based representation works, then the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers would be glad to speak with you. We understand that discussing methods of payment is a sensitive issue. Yet, you should not let concerns regarding your finances prevent you from seeking justice.

What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Zantac?

According to Healthline, some of the short- and long-term side effects that may come from taking Zantac include:

• Liver damage, which may cause tiredness, abdominal pain, and dark-colored urine indicative of a liver functioning at suboptimal capacity
• Cognitive problems that could include depressive episodes, hallucinations, and a substantial decline in your mental sharpness
• Poor or abnormal cardiovascular function, which may cause an increased heart rate, fatigue, and difficulty catching your breath

Sanofi, the most recent manufacturer of Zantac, notes that additional side effects of taking ranitidine (the active ingredient in the drug) may include:

• A decrease in your overall blood cell count, which may possibly include anemia, a condition that can significantly impact your immune system
• Conditions affecting your skin, such as hives, itchiness, rashes, and blisters
• Swelling in your face or mouth
• Feeling faint
• Changes in your bowel movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hepatitis, which comes in different forms and may impact your liver as well as other organs and bodily functions
• Vertigo, which can lead to falling

While each of these side effects may cause you to think twice before taking the drug, Sanofi asserts that some of these complications are rare or only happen in isolated conditions. However, multiple claimants are coming forward, alleging that cancer is among these side effects and was not disclosed to them upon taking the medication.

Symptoms May Reveal a Serious Health Condition

The recently revealed instability of ranitidine, and its propensity to produce potentially toxic levels of NDMA in the body, mean that cancer is a possible outcome of taking Zantac. Developing cancer can be a very real reality for many people who relied on Zantac as their sole source of antacid relief over the course of several years.

Some of the symptoms of cancer include:

• Marked tiredness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Changes in the color of your skin, including yellowing, darkening, redness, persistent sores, or changes in birthmarks
• Discomfort after eating
• Chronic, unexplained pain
• Interruptions in your sleep patterns
• Muscle or joint pain

If you or a loved one have experienced any of these symptoms, you should seek prompt medical attention to evaluate your condition. Waiting too long to see a medical professional can put your health and well-being in jeopardy.

Why was Zantac Taken off the Market?

Zantac was taken off the market because its active ingredient, ranitidine, appears to be inherently unstable.

The FDA has issued a statement that elaborates on some of the findings that led to Zantac’s recall and withdrawal from the market, including that:

• When exposed to temperatures higher than “room temperature,” the amount of carcinogenic NDMA in ranitidine may rise because of a greater number of impurities.
• As the number of impurities in ranitidine increases, they may exceed the amount that the FDA deems acceptable for human consumption.
• There is no reliable way to determine how long a given dose of Zantac or generic ranitidine has been stored or the conditions under which it has been stored. This means the relative safety of each package of Zantac could vary greatly from one batch to another.

The FDA also notes that while the chemical compound NDMA is present and harmless in certain types of food and water sources, high levels of NDMA could cause cancer.

The FDA issued a warning to consumers in November 2019, saying they should consider taking alternatives to Zantac. Months later, the product would be taken off the market altogether.

In their initial letter, the FDA either stated or suggested that:

• Ranitidine in Zantac may not be stable enough for consumers to have full confidence in its safety.
• The FDA takes the findings of dangerous levels of NDMA seriously and would be updating its website to reflect ranitidine’s possible danger.
• The FDA had already begun removing various ranitidine products from the market.
• Even in September, the FDA found that some ranitidine medications contained or produced levels of NDMA beyond what they considered “acceptable.”
• Further testing would inform the FDA’s decision as to whether it should issue a formal ranitidine withdrawal request.

The FDA did ultimately issue the request for manufacturers to remove ranitidine products from the marketplace, citing consumer safety as the primary reason. The FDA also urged consumers in possession of Zantac and other ranitidine medications to stop taking them, according to the American Journal of Managed Care.

The FDA’s decision to withdraw ranitidine-based products from the marketplace could be used as evidence in many evolving lawsuits against the makers of Zantac. By making these products unavailable to the public, lawyers may assert this is an admission of fault and that Zantac has always posed a danger to consumers.

Can Zantac Affect Your Heart?

Sanofi, the manufacturer of Zantac, includes heart complications as one of the many possible side effects of taking the drug.

Some of the specific side effects linked to Zantac that may affect your heart include:

• A rapid heartbeat
• An abnormally slow or weak heartbeat
• An irregular heartbeat
• Certain “hypersensitivity” reactions to ranitidine, which may cause difficulty breathing

Taking ranitidine could lead to health complications, especially if you are not thorough when discussing prior health conditions with your doctor. Some side effects of Zantac or its generic are placed at an elevated risk based on various facets of your physical well-being.

The American College of Cardiology touches on some of the factors that may increase the risk of taking ranitidine, such as:

• An allergy to ranitidine
• Having a disease of the kidney or liver, or a condition called porphyria, explained by Mayo Clinic
• Having health conditions that may increase your susceptibility to developing pneumonia
• Drinking alcohol with ranitidine

Doctor did Not Disclose Dangers

Recent findings regarding ranitidine’s chemical instability have led to the evolution of many lawsuits nationwide. While many claimants are suing the makers of Zantac, you could have the basis of a lawsuit if you were prescribed the drug by a medical professional who did not disclose its possible side effects.

A doctor may have erred by:

• Failing to discuss the known side effects of taking ranitidine, regardless of your physical condition
• Failing to consider and discuss any pre-existing health conditions that may have made you more susceptible to Zantac-related complications
• Failing to advise you on behaviors that may increase your risk of adverse health effects while taking ranitidine, such as drinking

If you choose to move forward with legal action, you could name multiple defendants in your lawsuit. Not only could you sue the makers of Zantac, but also any medical professional who placed your health at an elevated risk of harm. You and your legal team would need to prove you suffered a health complication as a direct result of taking the drug.

What Injuries does Zantac Cause?

Ranitidine, the active chemical in Zantac, has been linked to causing many injuries, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

These specific forms of cancer related to Zantac per MDL 2924, and the treatment required to address them, may lead to a number of significant health complications. For example, if someone is diagnosed with stomach cancer as a result of Zantac use, they may need to undergo chemotherapy. From there, they could suffer hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, and chronic pain.

If you develop cancer from taking Zantac, you may have to undergo one or more of the following treatments:

• Chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs to fight against cancerous cells
• Radiation therapy, which involves the use of energy “beams” to radiate cancer cells, and may be completed with the assistance of a machine or the use of radioactive implants inside of your body
• Surgery, which may mean removing parts of your body, possibly including entire organs that are infected with cancer
• Ablation, which may refer to the destruction of harmful or potentially harmful cells to minimize the risk of cancer spreading further
• Targeted drug therapy, which may rectify the changes in cells that make them cancerous or susceptible to becoming cancerous
• One or more bone marrow transplants, which may provide you greater resistance to chemotherapy that could help kill cancer cells

These and other types of treatment for cancer may improve your chances of recovery but could also have long-term health effects.

Consider the potential health consequences of radiation therapy, as outlined by the American Cancer Society:

• Irritated, swollen, or otherwise degraded skin condition
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Diminished blood count
• Changes in your mental function, hearing, taste, ability to swallow, and oral health

These painful conditions may be long-lasting for patients who undergo radiation therapy—and this could be only one aspect of your cancer treatment.

These potential health outcomes accentuate why so many plaintiffs and lawyers are passionate about holding the makers of Zantac responsible for their error. It is unclear how many people developed cancer as a result of taking this drug, but an attorney familiar with Zantac cancer cases from our firm can go over the details of your case.

What does the FDA Say About Zantac?

What the FDA has said about Zantac’s safety has varied dramatically between 1983 (the year Zantac was first sold to consumers) and late 2019.

The FDA’s current stance on Zantac is clear, as it has:

• Requested that all manufacturers of Zantac and other ranitidine drugs remove these products from the market because of concerns regarding their safety
• Advised companies, per this FDAnotice, to remove products from the market if they contain higher-than-recommended levels of the chemical compound NDMA, as appears to be the case with ranitidine
• Alerted consumers to voluntary recalls by manufacturers of various ranitidine products, which may deter consumers from ingesting the drug
• Reported the latest testing results regarding ranitidine, suggesting that ranitidine may contain or produce an unhealthy quantity of NDMA in the body, according to this FDA notice
• Acknowledged findings that levels of NDMA in ranitidine could increase based on the drug’s storage conditions

While these steps indicate that the FDA has come to terms with the possibility that ranitidine may be inherently unstable and cause cancer, there are significant questions related to the FDA’s prior approvals of ranitidine and Zantac in particular.

As we mentioned earlier on this page, the FDA approved Zantac for the consumer market in 1983.

For a drug to be approved by the FDA, it must undergo testing on animals to measure its toxicity. We can assume that because Zantac has been on the market for decades, it posed little to no risks for the animals involved in the study. Additionally, the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research conducts a series of tests and analytical measures to determine whether a drug is safe enough to enter the marketplace.

Some information that goes into making a decision includes:

• The results of testing on humans
• The results of animal testing
• Whether the drug’s packaging is explicitly labeled to warn consumers of possible side effects
• Whether the facility where testing was conducted was clean, thorough, and unbiased during testing

Based on its approval of Zantac, the FDA initially considered Glaxo Holdings Ltd.’s data to be both legitimate and thorough enough to meet regulatory standards. The recent withdrawal request by the FDA suggests, however, that initial testing of ranitidine may not have been as thorough as consumers were led to believe.

What is NDMA?

NDMA is the acronym for a chemical compound called N-Nitrosodimethylamine.

PubChem describes some basic facts about NDMA:

• NDMA is combustible, or easily able to catch fire.
• NDMA is chemically volatile, which means it may change its properties more easily than other chemical compounds, especially when exposed to conditions such as heat or light.
• NDMA is “primarily used in laboratory research to induce tumors in experimental animals.”
• NDMA may be present in amounts considered to be harmless in products such as fish, meat, vegetables, cheese, alcohol, pepper, fruit, and water.
• NDMA may also be present in rubber, wastewater, and industrial byproducts, which could be harmful if consumed.

Just because NDMA is found in several products that humans interact with regularly does not mean it should be considered harmless.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) points out, NDMA generally enters drinking water sources by accident, usually as the result of:

• The breakdown of dimethylhydrazine, which is an ingredient in rocket fuel, near a water source
• Industrial processes, such as the creation or dispersion of pesticides, in areas near a water source
• Wastewater discharges invading a source of drinking water

Additionally, NDMA could be introduced to a food source as a result of contaminated soil. Depending on the length and intensity of exposure, you could come into contact with fruits, vegetables, spices, and meat that have been contaminated with NDMA.

While levels of NDMA in water and food sources are generally considered harmless, this is not necessarily a guarantee of safety. NDMA levels may vary from product to product and water source to water source, based on various external circumstances.

The same may be true of levels of NDMA in medications, such as ranitidine and Zantac. The findings of Valisure assert that because ranitidine is inherently unstable, there is no way to guarantee its harmlessness.

If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Zantac or another drug containing ranitidine, a Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyer from our firm can assist you in the claims process.

Why is NDMA Dangerous?

NDMA is dangerous because, in certain amounts, it could cause cancer. You may recall that earlier, we mentioned that the EPA deemed NDMA as a “probable human carcinogen.” This information was released in 2014, stating that in certain amounts, NDMA has the potential to cause cancer in humans.

The WHO goes a step further than the EPA, referring to NDMA as “a potent carcinogen.” The organization adds that there is “clear evidence of carcinogenicity” with respect to NDMA, meaning there is no debate: high levels of NDMA in the body may cause you to develop cancer.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) adds that NDMA:

• Should be used only for research purposes, and therefore, should not be in your body unless you are a willing participant in a study involving NDMA
• Was once one of the ingredients used in the production of rocket fuel but was discontinued after concerns regarding human safety arose from within the industry
• May be produced inside the body because of certain chemical reactions and biological processes

Additional information that speaks to the dangers of NDMA include:

• Findings by Valisure suggest that because ranitidine is chemically unstable, there is no consistency in NDMA amounts in different batches of Zantac
• Findings from a Stanford Universitystudy suggest that consumers of ranitidine are not being exposed to minimal amounts of NDMA—instead, they may be exposed to amounts hundreds of times greater than levels that would be considered safe

The primary takeaway with respect to NDMA’s danger and ranitidine is that NDMA is, in fact, a known carcinogen. When ranitidine breaks down inside the body, it could potentially elevate levels of NDMA, causing adverse effects on one’s bodily functions and overall health. Coupled with the fact that many Zantac users relied on this drug for daily relief, millions of people could be at risk for dire health complications.

What Alternatives to Zantac are There?

Before you make any decisions regarding your health, you should always talk to your doctor first. Given the recent allegations against Zantac, your doctor may discourage you from taking the drug since we know it can cause cancer. You may be looking for a new medication that treats your digestive issues. Certain alternatives to Zantac may provide a similar acid-blocking effect without the use of ranitidine.

Some products that may offer relief for heartburn include:

• Pepcid, a Histamine-2 (H-2) blocker also known as famotidine
• Prilosec, also known as omeprazole
• Prevacid, a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) also known as lansoprazole
• Nexium, a PPI also known as esomeprazole
• Protonix, a PPI also known as pantoprazole sodium

Depending on the specific Zantac alternative that you choose, such medications may:

• Reduce or otherwise regulate how much acid your stomach makes
• Treat peptic ulcers, gastritis, and other conditions which may be the result of excessive acid production, according to Healthline
• Prevent the development of ulcers
• Treat chronic conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Fight or prevent heartburn
• Prevent serious conditions, such as esophageal cancer
• Treat acid reflux
• Treat existing damage to the lower part of your esophagus, according to MedlinePlus

Consumers who took Zantac or another ranitidine medication may have done so to treat or prevent one or more of the above conditions.

In light of revelations about cancer risks associated with taking ranitidine, you may want to:

• Do your own research about alternatives to Zantac
• Consider whether a PPI or H-2 blocker could be better for you; for reference, Zantac is an H-2 blocker
• Research the side effects associated with Zantac alternatives
• Speak with a trusted medical professional about an alternative to Zantac that achieves the effect that you are seeking

Given what we now know about Zantac, you should not continue to take this drug. Furthermore, the FDA has indicated that continued Zantac use could have life-threatening implications for your health and well-being. Yet, you still may be struggling with issues regarding your gastrointestinal functions. Speaking with your doctor may be the safest, most efficient way to determine which Zantac alternative may be right for you.

Who Can Join the Zantac Class Action Lawsuit?

Various factors may determine who can join the mass lawsuit against Zantac. Essentially, to have the basis of a civil action, you must prove you took Zantac or its generic equivalent, and as a result, developed cancer or another serious health condition.

For your case to be successful, you must show that using the medication adversely affected your health. For example, if you took Zantac over a period of 10 years, but have suffered no complications, then you do not have the basis for a lawsuit. You must either be able to show that Zantac directly resulted in your illness or establish probable cause.

Yet, this is no easy task. According to the American Cancer Society, determining the cause of one’s cancer can quickly become complicated. A person’s genetic predisposition, age, and lifestyle can all factor into one’s diagnosis. Again, you will likely need to establish probable cause in your case.

For instance, let’s say that before your cancer diagnosis, you were active, healthy, and refrained from smoking. You and your legal team would need to use testimony from a medical professional to assert that had you not taken Zantac, you likely would not have gotten sick. You may file an independent lawsuit against the party responsible for your damages or join a mass tort.

Some of the leading concerns that have arisen during MDL 2924’s proceedings include:

• The legitimacy of ranitidine studies.Valisure is an online laboratory and pharmacy that does not have an apparent motive for putting forth unfounded claims about ranitidine. Valisure is, according to The Washington Post, developing a reputation for conducting tests that show flaws previously undisclosed by the FDA or drug manufacturers.
• Evidence of Zantac’s danger. After Valisure published its results, follow-up testing by the FDA found that levels of NDMA do, in fact, increase over time. The FDA concluded that ranitidine should be withdrawn from the consumer market as a result.

If you or a loved one wants to take legal action against Zantac, whether as an independent lawsuit or in a mass tort, reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. We can take the time to listen to the details of your situation and determine how a Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyer can assist you.

Why is Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers the Right Law Firm to Handle My Zantac Cancer Lawsuit?

If you are considering bringing a lawsuit because you or a loved one took Zantac and later developed cancer, then Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is the right law firm to handle your case.

Some of the reasons why Laborde Earles may be right for you include:

• We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you do not need to pay anything up front or out of pocket for representation.
• We pride ourselves on our work ethic and will not rest until your case reaches a fair resolution.
• We can take the time to give you personalized services based on the details of your case. We aim to address your questions and concerns as we navigate the legal process together.
• Our founding partners were born and raised in Louisiana; as a result, the entire team has deep empathy for Louisianans who have suffered injustice. We seek to make it right.

If you choose to move forward with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers as your attorneys, then you can expect us to serve you in many ways.

What Our Law Firm Will Do for You

Some of the services you can expect our team to provide include:

• Providing you with a free initial consultation
• Listening to the details of your situation to determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit
• Consulting with expert witnesses, such as medical professionals, to gain further insight into your ranitidine usage and health condition
• Identifying the party (or parties) responsible for your present condition and negotiating for a fair settlement offer on your behalf
• Completing various day-to-day legal services that you will need, such as document drafting and court appearances, to complete your lawsuit
• Calculating the cost of your associated damages, including the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma
• Serving as your legal advocate and representative

There is no telling how long your Zantac lawsuit will take to complete. The timeline of your case rests on the other party’s willingness to settle, the strength of evidence, and legal precedent. We acknowledge that lawsuits implicating drug manufacturers can become complicated and take a long time to complete. However, you can rest with the peace of mind that with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is on your side, we will keep you updated on your case as it develops.

Additionally, working with a Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyer at our firm can:

• Grant you access to resources, experts, investigators, and legal assistants who you may not otherwise have utilized
• Allow you to focus on fighting cancer, or tending to a loved one, while the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers handles your lawsuit
• Safeguard you from the headaches that may come from trying a high-stakes legal matter

If you are going to bring a Zantac cancer lawsuit, consider Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers as your legal defenders.

Call Our Team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers will take on your fight for compensation. Our ultimate goal is to get you compensated for the cost of both your economic and non-economic damages. We believe that when a drug manufacturer allows a medication to enter the marketplace, it should inform users of every possible risk associated with its use. You should not be financially responsible for any incurred expenses stemming from a drug that caused you harm.

If your legal team can successfully pursue your case, regardless of the path it takes, you could receive compensation for:

• Wages or salary that you have forfeited while fighting or recovering from cancer
• Losses related to your loved one’s passing, if your Zantac cancer lawsuit involves an allegation of wrongful death
• Medical costs associated with your diagnosis, treatment, and hospital stays
• Any diminished earning capacity stemming from your illness and inability to continue in your current field
• The cost of childcare, if your health condition prevented you from caring for any minor children or dependents
• The cost of rehabilitation for your injuries and transportation to and from your appointments
• The pain and suffering you endured as a result of your cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment

One or more entities may have put you or your loved one’s health at risk. For that reason alone, you deserve justice.

If you or a loved one were possibly harmed because of Zantac or another ranitidine drug, call our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777.