Zantac, a medicine widely used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers, has been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In April 2020, the FDA ordered that the popular heartburn and ulcer medication Zantac (ranitidine) and its generic equivalents be taken off store shelves. The drug has been found to have been contaminated with NDMA, a known carcinogen (a substance that can cause cancer).
In September 2019, the FDA announced that it had discovered low levels of NDMA in Zantac. In April 2020 the FDA recommended that all manufacturers withdraw Zantac and the generic product ranitidine from the market, and is advising consumers to stop taking it.
FDA testing revealed that levels of NDMA in Zantac increase under normal storage temperatures, and increase heavily when stored at higher temperatures. The amount of NDMA present also increases as the product ages. These conditions can raise the amount of NDMA in Zantac to levels that the FDA considers unacceptable.
NDMA is a cancer-causing agent that has been found in Zantac. The presence of NDMA does not cause immediate health risks; however, it has been known to cause cancer in the liver and other organs after exposure to high doses over a long period of time. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to large amounts of NDMA is believed to cause stomach cancer or colorectal cancer. In fact, NDMA is used in a laboratory setting to cause cancer in rats.
NDMA was once used to make rocket fuel, and is a byproduct of industrial manufacturing at tanneries, pesticide manufacturing facilities, and at rubber and tire manufacturers.
Zantac is available over the counter and by prescription. It is in the drug class known as H2 (histamine-2) blockers and is commonly used to prevent and relieve heartburn. In prescription strength, the medicine is used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines. When produced correctly, there should be no risk of cancer-causing impurities.
The drug is manufactured by pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Apotex. Other pharmaceutical companies manufacture and sell Zantac or a generic version of the drug.
If you or someone you love has taken Zantac for a long time, you should explore other treatment options. If you or someone you love developed cancer after long-term use of Zantac or generic ranitidine you may be eligible for compensation.
I have already filed lawsuits against GlaxoSmithKline, the original manufacturer of Zantac, and other manufacturers of Zantac and generic ranitidine. I am reviewing and investigating additional Zantac lawsuits and offer free consultations to review and evaluate your case.
Unlike most large pharmaceutical litigation firms in the country, I will not hand your case off to an associate attorney or a paralegal. You will receive my personal attention throughout the entire legal process.
If you or someone you love has taken Zantac and been diagnosed with cancer, contact Brian K. Balser Co. LPA today. I can provide the experienced and personalized help you and your family need. Based in Elyria, I represent people locally and throughout the country.
At no cost to you, I'll explore the details of your case, discuss options and see if there's a way I can help. You'll only ever pay a fee if I take your case and win.
Fill out the form below or call/text me personally at (440) 934-0044.
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