In November 2019, the popular heartburn and acid reflux drug Zantac and some formulations of its generic, ranitidine, were pulled from shelves in the United States because there is reason to believe these medications contain a probable carcinogen. If you took Zantac and developed cancer, you may be able to take legal action to hold the drug manufacturer liable.
As of March 2020, there are already more than 140 lawsuits pending against the manufacturers and distributors of Zantac and ranitidine medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter products. It is still very early in this process, and the popularity of this medication likely means many other claimants will come forward.
If you used Zantac or a generic formulation of the drug and have or previously had cancer, you may be eligible to join the current claimants by filing an individual personal injury lawsuit, joining a class action if one forms, or joining the multidistrict litigation already underway.
At Zanes Law, we have gathered the information and resources you need to learn more about the risks posed by Zantac and ranitidine and to determine whether you should reach out to a Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyer about your case. If you do decide you want to discuss your potential case with a member of our team, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are accepting Zantac cancer claims from claimants nationwide. Call (866) 499-8989 now.
We may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, help you join a mass tort, or explain other options for pursuing compensation for your damages and recovering a payout to help pay for your treatment and care today.
Can I File a Zantac Lawsuit?
At Zanes Law, our team can review the facts of your case to determine if you are eligible to file a Zantac lawsuit. In general, you may be able to take legal action if you have a documented history of:
- Using this drug or a generic equivalent
- Receiving a cancer diagnosis after using this medication
- Establishing a link between your medication and your cancer diagnosis
We may be able to help you prove the link between your cancer and the medication, building a compelling case to support your claim or present in court. We can go to work on your case quickly after your initial consultation.
If we believe you will benefit from joining a mass tort, we will take action to possibly help you join the Zantac multidistrict litigation pending in a Florida court. Participating in this mass tort will help us reduce the cost of conducting a full investigation and proving the link between Zantac and an increased risk of cancer on our own.
Both over-the-counter and prescription versions of Zantac show levels of a potentially carcinogenic compound that exceed the levels allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the documents filed by claimants, there may be links between this drug and several types of cancers.
When you contact Zanes Law at (866) 499-8989 about your eligibility to file a lawsuit or take other action to pursue financial recovery, we will review the facts of your case and evaluate the strength of your case on your behalf free of charge. There is no obligation to sign up with us, although we make this process quick and easy if you decide to. In fact, we can handle your sign up on the same call as your case review. There is no reason to make an appointment or call back unless you want to take some time to think about your decision.
As a part of your initial case evaluation, our lawyer can explain your possible routes for seeking compensation and offer basic advice based on the unique aspects of your case. You may be able to:
- File an individual personal injury lawsuit and reach an out-of-court settlement or go to trial
- File an individual personal injury lawsuit and participate in the multidistrict litigation underway as of March 2020
- Join a class action lawsuit currently pending as of March 2020, if it receives class status
Once you decide to move forward and sign on for our help, we will take over the management of your case. From this point on, we strive to make your legal case as low-stress and easy for you as possible. We will handle every step on the way. We can:
- Determine the time limits to take action in your case
- Protect your right to take legal action
- Identify the liable party or parties in your case, generally a drug company
- Gather evidence and build a case for seeking compensation
- Document your recoverable damages
- Handle all communication with the drug company manufacturers
- Carry out the plan we decided on and take legal action on your behalf
Let our Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyers go to work on your case today. We know how to build a claim and pursue damages based on the injuries and damages you suffered as a result of a dangerous and defective drug. We are here to help.
What Is the Lawsuit Against Zantac?
What Is the Lawsuit Against Zantac?
There are dozens of lawsuits against Zantac and other ranitidine drug companies in multidistrict litigation. Thousands more are likely, and the numbers could hit five digits. Ranitidine is a very popular drug, and millions have used it.
In these lawsuits, claimants who used ranitidine and later developed cancer allege:
- The medications they used for heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and related symptoms caused them to develop cancer
- The drug companies knew about the cancer risk associated with these drugs as early as the 1980s
From the USA Today report published in November 2019, strong evidence shows that a public health statement raised concerns about the risk of N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, in these medications more than 30 years ago. There are known links between NDMA and cancer in animals, and it is a “probable carcinogen” in humans, according to the FDA.
As a part of the lawsuit and multidistrict litigation against the drug manufacturers, the lawyers handling building the case will need to gather evidence and prove that the medications are linked to cancer and that the drug companies knew that these drugs could metabolize and release unsafe levels of NDMA.
When seeking damages in a Zantac cancer lawsuit, your attorney will document your related expenses and losses and determine a fair value for the damages you suffered as a result of your cancer diagnosis and treatment. This stage will require our team to collect a variety of evidence to show the financial, emotional, and physical impact on you and your family. Evidence could include:
- Medical bills
- Other proof of hospital expenses
- Parking receipts
- Receipts for items necessary for post-treatment care and comfort
- Receipts for medical devices and resources prescribed by your doctor
- Documentation of your time away from work
- A journal, video, or other proof of your loss of abilities, impairment, and pain
- Medical expert witnesses to discuss prognosis and future care needs
- Other proof of your economic or non-economic losses
- Any evidence to prove the pharmaceutical company knew about high NDMA levels in their medications before Fall 2019
Our team can effectively build a case that allows you to seek financial recovery that may include:
- Economic damages related to your cancer and care
- Non-economic damages related to your case
- Punitive damages, in some cases
While we cannot take away the pain and suffering you endured, we can reduce your stress and help you pursue financial recovery and try to hold the liable drug company accountable.
Can I Sue Zantac?
To learn if you may be able to build a case to sue Zantac manufacturers or another liable party, reach out to Zanes Law at (866) 499-8989 today for a free review of your case. Our attorneys know how to navigate dangerous and defective drug cases and can help you walk through the process of holding the drug manufacturer or another party liable.
If our attorneys believe you have a compelling case against a drug manufacturer or distributor, we can explain your legal options and help you understand the best way to pursue compensation for the damages you sustained.
In general, there are three ways we may be able to approach a Zantac case:
Filing an Individual Personal Injury Lawsuit
We can file a lawsuit against Zantac on your behalf, building a case and pursuing a settlement or court award. According to one document filed in the Zantac multidistrict litigation (MDL 2924), there are already thousands of cases pending in courts across the county. We can help you gather evidence and work toward securing compensation for your damages.
Joining the Multidistrict Litigation Already Underway
MDL 2924 is already underway in a Florida court as of March 2020. There is a distinct advantage of participating in MDL over taking your case to court individually. If your case is very similar to others in the MDL, then they likely share many of the same facts. This similarity includes the need to prove the link between your Zantac use and your cancer diagnosis.
To this end, proving a Zantac cancer case will likely require a wealth of evidence that includes:
- Expert medical witnesses
- Researchers who will testify about their findings
- Laboratory tests
It will be necessary to help the judge and jury understand the chemical properties of NDMA, how Zantac reacts during metabolism, and how NDMA interacts with other substances.
The expenses for this part of the discovery process will add up quickly and could be more than one individual case is worth. However, all cases in an MDL share discovery and pretrial motions, so the cost is shared among all participants.
Participating in a Class Action Lawsuit
The last option, participating in a class action settlement, may be the best option for people who are angry that the drug companies failed to warn them of the cancer risk and put their lives in danger, but who have not suffered ill effects as a result. If this class action is approved, class members could recover the money they spent purchasing Zantac and other ranitidine drugs.
What Kind of Cancer Does Zantac Cause?
What Kind of Cancer Does Zantac Cause?
Based on documents filed in the Zantac (Ranitidine) Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2924), the claimants in the Zantac cancer cases consolidated by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation suffered from many kinds of cancers caused by Zantac that began in various locations in their bodies. There is no one cancer linked to Zantac and other ranitidine drugs or NDMA exposure from other sources. Instead, the claims seem to point to a carcinogen that can affect the body in a wide variety of ways and cause tumors to develop and metastasize in almost any area.
This document claims that “nearly two hundred scientific literature articles have been published that demonstrate NDMA’s propensity to induce tumors at numerous organ sites.” The document cites a number of sources for this information, including:
- Animal studies
- Human dietary studies
- Occupational exposure studies
These studies and articles, as well as the researchers who authored them, will likely play a central role in the Zantac MDL and any individual cases filed. They likely will be necessary to show a link between Zantac and the development of cancer in humans. The “numerous organ sites” mentioned include, but are not limited to, the:
- Bladder
- Esophagus
- Intestines
- Kidney
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Stomach
Many of the claimants involved in MDL 2924 have or had cancer that originated in these areas. However, others report tumors growing in other areas or having other types of cancer as well. It remains to be seen what types of cancer occurred most commonly among claimants, especially because there are currently only a small number of cases filed when compared to the millions of people who used these popular over-the-counter and prescription medications.
It is important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) link NDMA to liver and lung cancers only, and only in animals such as mice and rats used for scientific testing. The CDC reports no known and proven cases of NDMA-caused cancer in humans as of March 2020. However, there may be evidence that surfaces as a result of this MDL and other independent Zantac cancer lawsuits that changes that stance.
It may be possible for claimants to prove a link between Zantac, NDMA, and a wide variety of cancers. The CDC agrees that there may be a reason to believe that NDMA can cause cancer in humans, but there are not yet any proven reports of this happening.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Zantac?
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Zantac?
The primary long-term side effects of Zantac and other ranitidine products is the possible link with a wide variety of cancers. Studies seem to point to the possibility of NDMA contamination leading to cancer, and MDL 2924 alleges that the metabolism of this drug creates even higher levels of NDMA. The CDC agrees that NDMA could be linked to cancer in humans.
In animals, there is a known link between NDMA and cancerous tumors. In fact, laboratories manufacture this chemical specifically to be used in testing because it can induce tumor growth. There is a strong link between eating, drinking, or breathing NDMA and the development of lung cancer or liver cancer in laboratory animals such as mice, rats, and hamsters.
There are also other long-term side effects of NDMA exposure seen in these animals. Liver damage, liver failure, internal bleeding, death, miscarriage, and stillbirth are all possible consequences of long-term, low-level exposure and short-term, high-level exposure.
When it comes to the long-term side effects of Zantac in humans, there are reports of adverse events in addition to cancer. This information comes from the product monograph for Zantac as prepared by manufacturer Sanofi. Most of these side effects and adverse events are short-lived and disappear with discontinuation of the medication. Some require additional medical attention.
Most commonly, relatively mild side effects of ranitidine include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
When it comes to adverse events reports, the list is longer and more serious. However, it is important to remember that the company must list all adverse events reported, and there may be little proof of causation in some cases.
These adverse events are generally rare or very rare. They include:
- Several types of anemia, a general decrease in all types of blood cells
- Changes in liver function
- Possible lasting liver damage
- Cardiovascular concerns similar to other H2 blockers, including arrhythmias
- Vertigo
- Meningitis and other brain-related complications
- Dystonia and other causes of unexplained twitching and movement
In general, Zantac was long thought to be generally safe and effective until the allegations that it could possibly cause cancer arose in late 2019. It first came on the market in the 1980s, and there have been few reports of long-term injuries proven to be related to the medication.
Why Was Zantac Taken Off the Market?
Why Was Zantac Taken Off the Market?
Zantac was taken off the market voluntarily by French drug manufacturer Sanofi in 2019, which included both the prescription and over-the-counter versions of this heartburn and GERD medication. This move was recommended by the FDA after the discovery that the medication contained levels of the “probable carcinogen” NDMA that exceeded the allowable limits for daily exposure the agency has in place to protect consumers.
After the Zantac recall, many manufacturers of generic ranitidine pulled their products because of NDMA contamination. Others followed suit out of an abundance of caution. Another H2 blocker used to treat heartburn, Axid, and its generic, nizatidine, also experienced related recalls.
This is not the first time the agency has discovered NDMA in a popular medication and urged the manufacturer to pull it from the market. According to the FDA, they did the same in 2018 when they discovered impurities in a class of popular blood pressure and heart failure medicines. They recommended recalls of several Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) in 2018 and 2019.
NDMA is an environmental contaminant that occurs regularly in the world around us, and everyone is likely exposed on a regular basis. It is in drinking water, many foods, and industrial byproducts that end up in the air and water. However, exposure to larger doses or small doses over a long period of time, like with a medication you take daily, could lead to serious health implications.
The FDA does not seem overly concerned about the possible link between this type of medication and an increase in cancer risk. They did not advise people to stop using the drug but did encourage them to talk to their doctors about it if they wished to use an alternative medication instead.
The FDA’s approach to this is likely two-fold:
- The level of NDMA found in Zantac pills and other products is still extremely low, barely above the approved daily limits set by the FDA.
- There is no proven connection between low-level exposure to NDMA and cancer in humans, although it is possible and prove in laboratory animals.
The Zantac cancer lawsuits, however, show a much scarier picture. They claim proof of a link between this medication and cancer in humans. At the same time, they do not deny the NDMA levels in Zantac is relatively low. However, they believe the cancer risk lies in the high levels created when the body metabolizes Zantac.
Can Zantac Affect Your Heart?
While drug manufacturer Sanofi lists heart arrhythmias as a possible adverse reaction in the Zantac monograph, there is no evidence that Zantac affects your heart once you discontinue the medication. This side effect is the only heart-related effect or adverse reaction listed in the monograph.
This side effect is a rare but known adverse reaction experienced by some people who use any type of histamine H2 receptor antagonists, known as an H2 blocker. Ranitidine is a member of this class of drugs, which also includes cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine. If this adverse reaction happens to you, discontinue use immediately. However, you should not experience any lasting symptoms or damage.
According to Sanofi, most people who experience this and other adverse reactions are taking a high-dose prescription oral pill version of Zantac or a generic. Other ranitidine products, such as low-dose over-the-counter formulations, seem less likely to cause adverse effects.
Heart arrhythmias related to H2 blockers, such as those presented in the Zantac product monograph, may include:
- Tachycardia
- Premature ventricular beats
- Sinus bradycardia
- Asystole
- Extrasystole
- Atrioventricular block with sinus pauses
- Premature ventricular beats
The monograph also reports heart palpitations and increased blood pressure as an adverse reaction, but it is important to note that they must list every reported reaction, so there is no way to know if there is a causal relationship between these symptoms and the medication. If these do occur as a result of taking Zantac or a related medication, they generally disappear quickly after the person discontinues using the drug.
While Zantac is unlikely to cause lasting heart concerns, other alternative medications to treat heartburn and reflux may. A Stanford Medicine study found that some heartburn drugs may boost the risk of heart attack in people prescribed ongoing treatment with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), another popular gastroesophageal reflux disease treatment. They found that, over a 17-year span, those taking PPIs were between 16 and 21 percent more likely to have a heart attack than those who took no medication or those who took Zantac or another H2 blocker.
The study found no increased risk of heart attack among those who took an H2 blocker versus those who took no medication. Brand name PPIs include Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid, while H2 blockers include Tagamet and Pepcid, in addition to Zantac.
What Injuries Does Zantac Cause?
What Injuries Does Zantac Cause?
The Zantac cancer lawsuits allege that injuries caused by Zantac include cancer, requiring them to undergo expensive treatment and miss significant time away from work, among other damages.
There is no doubt that some ranitidine medications contain at least small amounts of NDMA. According to the CDC, NDMA does cause cancer and non-cancerous liver damage in laboratory animals. This finding is true both with high-level and low-level doses received over a long period of time. This exposure is the same type a person might experience if they took a medication with the contaminant daily for several months or years.
While there are not yet any confirmed ties to cancer in humans as reported by the CDC, the Zantac cancer lawsuits allege there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of cases. Documents submitted in conjunction with these court actions allege that the NDMA in Zantac and the NDMA that occurs after Zantac is metabolized can trigger tumor growth in humans, as well. The types of and location of cancer involved vary widely. They may include:
- Bladder
- Esophagus
- Intestines
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Stomach
Because there are so many different types of cancers, original locations, and stages, the treatment plan and prognosis can differ widely from case to case. In addition to the treatment plans, the costs of missing work and the emotional tolls of fighting cancer can lead to significant losses for these cancer patients.
For the claimants who filed lawsuits and joined the Zantac MDL, large payouts may be forthcoming if they can prove their case in court. Many of them may be struggling financially after having to quit work or being unable to pay for the necessary treatment to fight their cancer.
If we take on your case and can negotiate a fair settlement or secure an award, some of the recoverable damages may include:
- Cancer treatment expenses, surgery, hospitalization, and related medical care
- Lost wages and benefits
- Certain out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
We also pursue wrongful death actions for qualifying families. If your loved one used Zantac and later developed cancer, but has since passed away, you may be able to take legal action. We can help you gather evidence and build a case for compensation for you and other surviving family members.
What Does the FDA Say About Zantac?
What Does the FDA Say About Zantac?
What the FDA says about Zantac has been reported on the agency’s website. The FDA is continuing to monitor the situation to ensure people do not become endangered by dangerous or defective drugs. The agency said:
The initial recall that occurred did so at the urging of the FDA. The federal regulatory agency discovered that some H2 blocker medications were contaminated with NDMA that tested at levels above their allowable daily intake level of 96 nanograms per day. In addition to contacting the drug companies about the impurities in their products, the FDA posted the results of their ranitidine testing and encouraged both the companies they tested and others to conduct their own testing.
In addition to the brand name drug, many generics pulled their products from the market because of NDMA contamination while others did because they wanted to take any steps necessary to protect consumers, even if there was not an apparent problem.
The FDA is careful to mention that the ranitidine products they tested for the NDMA impurity only contained levels slightly above the agency’s maximum allowable level. They have not, as of March 2020, released studies or commented on the allegations in the Zantac cancer lawsuits that these medications release high amounts of NDMA when taken with certain foods and metabolized in the body.
The FDA is continuing to test medications and consider additional recalls if an H2 blocker or another type of medication tests above the allowable daily limit for NDMA. Whether or not this goes far enough to protect consumers likely depends on who you ask. Those who believe NDMA-contaminated drugs caused their cancer, or the cancer that took the life of their loved one, are not likely to agree that the agency is taking aggressive enough action.
What Is NDMA?
NDMA is a contaminant that is commonly found in a wide variety of places in the environment, and we likely come into contact with low levels of the chemical every day. The CDC reports that NDMA naturally forms as a byproduct of many manufacturing processes, and is common in the air, water, and soil in industrial areas. It is also present in tobacco smoke and chewing tobacco. Some of the common substances that may contain the contaminate include:
- Beer
- Cheese
- Cleanser
- Detergents
- Fish
- Meats
- Pesticides
- Shampoo
- Toiletry and cosmetics products
- Various household goods
Perhaps the most well-known place where people come into contact with NDMA is in cured meats, particularly bacon and ham, smoked fish, and salted fish. It can also occur in the stomach during the breakdown and digestion of foods containing alkylamine. It is this last area that concerns the claimants in the Zantac cancer MDL. Documents submitted in this case show that they believe the metabolism of Zantac leads to a high-dose exposure of NDMA when combined with the digestion of some types of foods.
Why Is NDMA Dangerous?
NDMA is dangerous because it has been linked to a number of serious health concerns, risks, and medical conditions, including cancer and liver failure. According to the Zantac cancer lawsuit, NDMA is produced commercially in the United States for only one purpose: to use in laboratory animals to stimulate tumor growth. Researchers need to induce tumor growth in animals so that they can learn more about how cancers grow and spread, try experimental treatments, and conduct other research. As you can imagine, the lawsuit points to this fact as a part of the argument against why no amount of NDMA is safe in medications.
The mice, rats, hamsters, and other animals involved in these studies generally develop tumors on their livers or lungs after NDMA exposure from their food, water, or air, according to the CDC. Liver failure, internal bleeding, and death are also common.
According to the lawsuits, there is evidence to show that NDMA may also cause tumors in numerous locations in humans, including the bladder, kidneys, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and esophagus. If the claimants can prove a link between this dangerous contaminant and their cancer, it will be important that we monitor NDMA levels much more closely. This case will affect not only medications but food and the environment, as well.
There is also concern about NDMA levels associated with Zantac and other medications being much higher than we realize. While the possibility of NDMA contamination that exceeds FDA allowances is a concern, it is much more concerning that the lawsuits allege much higher NDMA levels in the body when people take Zantac and related drugs in conjunction with eating food that increases levels on their own. Many of these are the same foods that might give someone heartburn, such as pizza or hot dogs.
The lawsuits claim that when these medicines are used alongside these certain foods, the NDMA levels rise “tens of thousands of times” higher than the FDA’s approved limits. It is likely these levels, they say, that contribute to the development of cancer and other adverse medical conditions.
What Alternatives to Zantac Are There?
What Alternatives to Zantac Are There?
There are alternatives to Zantac, but it is important to discuss your options with your doctor. In September 2019, while the FDA did not issue a recommendation to stop using ranitidine and, in fact, said it was generally safe to continue using it, most brands have been recalled, and the few that did not contain NDMA and were not recalled out of an abundance of caution were likely pulled from the shelves of your local big-box stores and drugstores anyway.
If you previously took Zantac either over the counter or via prescription, it may be time to find another medication to treat your heartburn, reflux, or other condition. The best place to start, especially if you take a prescription ranitidine medication, is to talk to your doctor. For over-the-counter treatment, your doctor or pharmacist can offer an opinion on your treatment options.
It is imperative that you continue to take some type of acid reducer, whether this is another H2 blocker, a PPI, or an antacid. Choosing the right one is important because many have their own health concerns, and you may need to avoid some alternatives based on your risks for complications and adverse effects.
However, failure to properly manage a condition that causes the buildup of acid in your throat can itself lead to cancer or other serious medical conditions. In addition, acid indigestion is an easily manageable condition that can negatively impact your life in many ways, including disrupting sleep.
Most ranitidine alternatives, like Zantac itself, come in over-the-counter and prescription forms. You can likely find an effective alternative in your local drugstore if you previously treated your condition with a store-brand over-the-counter product or name brand Zantac. However, it is important that you read the instructions carefully, because some alternatives are designed to be used for a short period only, usually two weeks. You could experience health concerns using it longer than directed.
In general, your options for a pill to help you manage your heartburn, GERD, sour stomach, or other hyperacidic condition include H2 blockers without the risk of NDMA contamination or PPIs. PPIs include:
- Nexium (esomeprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
Other H2 blocker options include:
- Pepcid (famotidine)
- Tagamet (cimetidine)
We suggest working with your doctor or pharmacist to select your new medication because they will be able to help you choose the medication that will work best for you based on your:
- Preferences for taking daily versus short periods
- Other health risk factors
- Concerns about interactions and side effects
- Possible adverse effects
Who Can Join the Zantac Class-Action Lawsuit?
Who Can Join the Zantac Class Action Lawsuit?
If you ever purchased Zantac or another heartburn and reflux drug containing ranitidine, and you have documentation of some sort to prove it, it is likely you can join the Zantac class action lawsuit. The basis of this lawsuit is not on a cancer diagnosis. Instead, it is a defective product claim based on the lack of adequate warning about the cancer risk. You may qualify for compensation if the case gets approved if:
- You can prove you bought the medication, such as with a receipt
- You can show that you did not receive a warning about the cancer risk
As a part of this case, the attorneys who filed the class action lawsuit will need to prove there was a real risk of cancer, and the drug manufacturer did not issue an adequate warning to users. As of March 2020, MDL 2924 shows six proposed Zantac class action lawsuits that are awaiting approval, which means they are not official class actions at this time.
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation included these cases when they consolidated more than 100 personal injury cases, and likely many more forthcoming, into the Zantac multidistrict litigation, MDL 2924. This will allow the potential class action cases access to information from the discovery in the MDL. They will need to use the same evidence to prove the connection between Zantac, NDMA, and cancer as the personal injury cases do.
In a class action case, the claimants, called class members, are able to recover a smaller payout without having each member file a lawsuit and go to court. The most likely payout in the Zantac class action is the recovery of compensation spent on purchasing the medication.
Right now, in March 2020, approval of this class action lawsuit depends on the ability of the attorneys handling it to prove that:
- There is a link between Zantac and cancer
- Zantac failed to warn consumers about the cancer risk
- The drug was defective based on the lack of adequate warning
In an MDL, the claimants all pursue individual damages based on their own unique damages and losses. In a class action, on the other hand, most participants will receive roughly the same payout. In this case, a refund for the money you spend on the drug.
Zanes Law can help you decide if joining the Zantac class action is right for you. You do not have to decide right now. You can always wait until you receive a notification about the certified class or see an advertisement to make a decision.
What Should I Do if a Loved One or I Was Affected by Zantac?
What Should I Do If a Loved One or I Was affected by Zantac?
There are a few things you can do if you or a loved one was affected by Zantac, especially if you took Zantac and then received a cancer diagnosis. If you believe this happened to you, a defective drug attorney from Zanes Law will review your case for free. All you have to do is call (866) 499-8989 to discuss the facts of your case with an attorney today. We can help you understand if you are eligible to take legal action based on the facts and strength of your case.
We can also help you understand how long you have to take legal action. Every state has its own rules regarding how long you have to file a lawsuit. As a part of reviewing your case, we can explain the rules that will apply and how long you have to file a lawsuit.
We know what it takes to build a strong case supported by the available evidence and can do this on your behalf, or on behalf of your loved one. If you want to come into your initial consultation as prepared as possible, we suggest gathering your medical records and related documents, medical bills, evidence you used Zantac, and other documents before your case review or immediately afterward.
During our discussion about your case, we can check to see if there are other cases similar to yours already pending, especially in the ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL 2924). If your case is similar to these—you took Zantac and later developed a type of cancer already represented in the MDL—then we can likely help you file a lawsuit and join the mass tort. You may be eligible even if your case has more unusual elements.
We may also be able to help you understand if your case is better suited to class-action status, such as in cases where the damages are unlikely to add up to enough to cover the cost of filing the suit.
Do not hesitate to bring us your questions about your rights, your options, and the process of seeking financial recovery. We will answer your questions and address your concerns both before you sign up for our representation and after. We can also help you build a wrongful death case if your loved one passed away after their cancer diagnosis, and they used Zantac.
Lastly, if you or a loved one still takes Zantac, you may want to discuss the possibility of swapping medications. You do not want to discontinue treatment altogether, but it is important to reduce your risk of serious adverse health complications.
What Will It Cost to Hire a Zantac Attorney?
What Will It Cost to Hire a Zantac Attorney?
The cost to hire a Zantac attorney may vary. Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyers, like other defective drug attorneys, will generally accept strong cases based on contingency. Contingency means they will not charge you a retainer up front, and you will not have to pay them anything until the conclusion of your case. If they negotiate a fair settlement or recover a court award on your behalf, they will then receive their attorney’s fees from your payout. If they do not recover compensation for you, they do not get paid, either.
This contingency is how Zanes Law handles every personal injury case, including dangerous and defective drug cases. We front all of the costs of your case so that you never have to worry about how to pay for legal representation out of your own pocket. Then, we pursue the compensation you deserve. You can feel confident that we want you to win your case, because we only get paid if you win.
Once your case comes to a close, we will receive the settlement check or payment to cover the court award. It will come straight to our office, and we will deposit it. We will take out our pre-agreed percentage and the case costs you are expecting. Then, we will cut a check for the remainder of your payout. This process means you never have to worry about paying us, writing a check, or getting it in the mail on time. We take care of every step of the process.
It is important to our team that you feel comfortable with our agreement. We are very open and honest about our price structure and the way we handle payment. We can answer your questions about pricing and expenses before you sign up for our services or at any time afterward. You should not be surprised by your check when you receive it. We will ensure you know what to expect and have an itemized list of what you are paying for.
In general, you can expect to pay any personal injury attorney about one-third of your financial recovery following a successful case. The exact percentage can vary depending on the type of case and the facts of the case, but you can expect it to be in your contract when you sign up. We believe it is important to always establish the percentage of the recovery we receive beforehand, so our clients know how much they are paying and can consider this as a factor when we are looking at settlement offers.
Why Is Zanes Law the Right Law Firm to Handle My Zantac Cancer Lawsuit?
Why Is Zanes Law the Right Law Firm to Handle My Zantac Cancer Lawsuit?
Zanes Law regularly takes on dangerous and defective drug cases, defective product cases, and other mass tort cases from across the country, so we are the right law firm to handle your Zantac cancer lawsuit. We provide free initial consultations over the phone and can sign you up for our services on the same phone call if you are ready to get started right away.
Our team knows how this type of case works and can help you make important decisions about when and where to file and if you want to participate in the MDL or class action. As your attorney, we will guide you through the process and explain what you can expect every step of the way. We are always available for status updates or to answer questions or address concerns. We make pursuing a payout easy.
We know that you have enough on your plate already, especially if you are still fighting cancer. It is a stressful time for you and your family members, and the last thing you want to do is get into a long legal fight. However, you deserve compensation, and the drug companies need to be held liable.
We also know you are likely angry that your cancer may have been preventable if you had adequate warnings about the potential dangers of ranitidine and other H2 blockers that contain NDMA. This anger is understandable, and we want to help you get a just settlement or award.
To this end, our attorneys will handle your case on your behalf. We can take care of all aspects of your case, from filing the paperwork to communicating with others involved. This service will allow you to focus on what really matters—spending time with your loved ones, undergoing treatment, and healing.
At Zanes Law, our legal teams know the types of evidence necessary in a defective drug case. We know where to find it and how to prove your injuries, damages, and related expenses. We can go to work building a strong case on your behalf as soon as you sign up with us.
Building your case will include documenting the losses you experienced as a result of your cancer and treatment. During this process, we can calculate a fair settlement range for your case and ensure we understand what justice would look like based on your damages.
Having strong evidence to support your claim may allow us to enter into settlement negotiations with the drug company or present a strong argument in court and recover a just award.
Talk to a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit Lawyer Today
If you believe your cancer may be related to taking Zantac or a generic equivalent, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit or join the ongoing MDL. Taking legal action may allow you to recover compensation for the damages you sustained, keeping your family on firm financial footing.
Our team prides itself on making legal representation convenient and easy for our clients. You can talk to someone about your case today, and we can go to work on your case as soon as you sign up for representation. We also take on defective drug cases and other personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you will not have to pay for legal representation out of your family’s savings or take out a loan to fund your lawsuit.
The dangerous and defective drugs team from Zanes Law offers free case reviews. Call us today at (866) 499-8989 to discuss the facts of your Zantac cancer case with a member of our team. We can even sign you up over the phone on the same call as your consultation.