If a loved one or you were affected by Zantac, then you may:
- Seek medical attention for any conditions that you have not yet had assessed
- Collect any documentation you have of yourself taking Zantac, and any illness you believe may have resulted from taking the medication
- Speak with a legal team to find out whether you may have been the victim of negligence and could have grounds for a lawsuit
It is your choice as to how to proceed if you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Zantac or another drug containing ranitidine. A lawyer may be able to assist you if you want to pursue compensation for your losses.
Zantac Has Been Shown to Increase Your Risk of Cancer
The key active ingredient in Zantac is called ranitidine. It is such a prominent part of the antacid that the generic form of Zantac is referred to simply as ranitidine.
Ranitidine has come under fire in recent months because of findings by online pharmacy-laboratory Valisure. According to ABC News, Valisure submitted a petition for a recall after finding that ranitidine can produce dangerous levels of an unsafe chemical compound in people who take generic ranitidine or Zantac.
The chemical compound in question is called N-Nitrosodimethylamine, also known as NDMA. According to a lawsuit brought on behalf of consumers of Zantac and generic ranitidine, multidistrict litigation (MDL) 2924, NDMA:
- Was the cause of other drugs being withdrawn from the market, namely Valsartan
- Is utilized primarily to create tumors in laboratory animals for research purposes
- May cause humans to develop cancer of the kidney, esophagus, stomach, bladder, liver, pancreas, or intestine
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also suggests that significant levels of NDMA in your body may lead to cancer, as it categorizes the chemical compound as a “probable carcinogen” used in the production of rocket fuel and also found in wastewater. Even Sanofi, the current producer of brand name Zantac, has shown a level of concern over the safety of the drug by removing it from American and Canadian markets.
Zantac is alleged to not only contain dangerous levels of NDMA in its static form, but also to produce even greater levels of NDMA as ranitidine breaks down in your body. This revelation may come as a shock to consumers who were told for decades that Zantac, generic ranitidine, and other medications containing ranitidine were safe for consumption.
Cancer Was Never Listed as a Zantac Side Effect
People who took Zantac, like those who took any over-the-counter or prescription medication, knew they were taking some level of risk. Drug manufacturers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and doctors generally protect themselves from liability by:
- Conducting extensive testing to ensure that the drug is acceptably safe before bringing it to market
- Gleaning from their testing what side effects that consumption of a given drug may cause
- Warning consumers and medical professionals of the possible side effects of a drug in explicit, complete language
- Conducting continual testing after the release of the drug to ensure that they did not miss any side effects and issuing a recall or warning if they do discover any side effects missed during initial testing
It may take years to understand the long-term dangers of a given drug like Zantac. Still, manufacturers and regulators like the FDA are now recognizing the most dangerous possible side effect of Zantac: a risk of cancer.
You May Have Grounds for a Zantac Lawsuit
If a loved one or you were affected by Zantac or ranitidine—that is, if one or both of you developed cancer after taking Zantac or ranitidine—then you may be able to bring a lawsuit against one or more parties.
If you are experiencing adverse health effects after taking Zantac or ranitidine, then you should first seek medical treatment. If you have been diagnosed with a form of cancer, a lawyer may explain your options for taking legal action.
It is possible that you or your loved one are eligible to:
- Bring an individual lawsuit against the manufacturer of the form of ranitidine or Zantac that you took
- Join a class action lawsuit against one or more liable party
- Join multidistrict litigation related to Zantac or ranitidine
In addition to assessing your case and informing you of your eligibility to join a lawsuit, a lawyer may:
- Handle your legal needs relating to your Zantac lawsuit
- Represent you in negotiation settlements or in a trial setting
- Protect your rights
Your lawyer’s goal will be to:
- Prove that you were the victim of negligence
- Collect any compensation that you are entitled to
- Obtain a measure of justice for your losses
Call Our Team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
The word is spreading about the danger of Zantac and the numerous failings that allowed consumers to use this drug for decades without warning. If you or a loved one has developed cancer after taking Zantac or another form of ranitidine, call our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.