Pharmaceutical Litigation

Does Zantac Have a Cancer-Causing Agent?

Posted on by Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
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12
Oct

A Zantac lawsuit is the legal claim for financial compensation by a plaintiff or group of plaintiffs who took the heartburn medication Zantac and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Does Zantac have a cancer-causing agent?

Zantac and its generic counterpart ranitidine have been found to contain NDMA—a known carcinogen. Studies linked the compound to cancers in both humans and animals.

What Is Zantac?

Zantac, or ranitidine hydrochloride, belongs to a drug class known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists, also called H2 blockers. These medications work to decrease the amount of acid the stomach produces. Zantac is a very popular heartburn medication that’s been on the market since the 1980s. Zantac is available by prescription and over the counter.

Zantac is most commonly used for acid reflux, heartburn, and many other stomach and gastrointestinal issues.

As far back as the 1980s, numerous studies have shown a link between the NDMA in Zantac and cancer. There’s also mounting evidence that alleges that Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim—the Big Pharma manufacturers of Zantac—hid Zantac’s link to cancer from millions of consumers. The deception allegations came as the pharmaceutical companies made unprecedented profits from Zantac. It was the first drug to generate $1 billion in sales.

Zantac Lawsuits

In current lawsuits against Zantac, plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers placed a dangerous product on the market and failed to warn consumers of the serious side effects and risks.

In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested all companies withdraw any ranitidine products after finding “unacceptable amounts” of NDMA in ranitidine. More than a dozen companies have now recalled the drug.

Zantac victims could be eligible for financial compensation to cover:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Punitive damages

Do I Qualify for a Zantac Lawsuit?

You likely qualify for a Zantac lawsuit if you have taken Zantac and then been diagnosed with:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Kidney/Renal cancer
  • Gastric cancer
  • Intestinal cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer

There is a short statute of limitations in which you can bring a Zantac lawsuit; speaking with a pharmaceutical litigation lawyer as soon as possible can help you determine your eligibility for a lawsuit and get started on the next steps.  

Zantac Class Action Lawsuit

The makers of Zantac are facing a class-action lawsuit that alleges the drug contains unsafe levels of the carcinogen NDMA. In 2019, the FDA reported that NDMA in ranitidine was at levels between 3,000 to 26,000 times higher than FDA-approved levels.

Symptoms of NDMA exposure include:

  • Several forms of cancer (see above)
  • Liver fibrosis, scarring, and tumors
  • Kidney tumors
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Dizziness 
  • Reduced function of the liver and kidneys

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries, including bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, brain cancer, and other cancers, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important that you find a reputable pharmaceutical litigation lawyer who can help fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Napoli Shkolnik for reputable, reliable representation. With over 50 years of experience, our team is here to help our clients with even the most complex of legal issues. Get in touch with us today to schedule a free case evaluation.