If you used Zantac or a generic ranitidine drug to manage heartburn and later received a cancer diagnosis or had other health issues, you may be eligible to file a Zantac lawsuit. Lawsuits over the past few years allege that Zantac contains unsafe levels of a probable carcinogen, N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA).
An attorney from Zanes Law can help determine if you qualify to file a Zantac cancer lawsuit. If so, you could recover compensation for your medical treatments, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If we believe there is a link between your cancer and Zantac, we could represent you on a contingency-fee basis. This means you pay us nothing upfront.
Contact us for a free case evaluation.
Options for Pursuing Financial Recovery Via a Zantac Lawsuit
To pursue a payout in this type of case, you will need evidence to show that:
- You used Zantac or a similar medication.
- You developed cancer or other illnesses after using the medication.
- There is a link between your cancer and the product.
Once you and an attorney determine your eligibility to file a Zantac lawsuit, you must weigh your options for pursuing damages. Several legal options may be available now or might become available soon.
These options include:
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Based on a Defective Drug
In an individual personal injury lawsuit, you or your attorney will need to gather evidence to prove your case and take it to trial in your local court. This may be your best option if you do not qualify for multidistrict litigation (MDL) and have suffered damages due to a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
These cases may settle out of court before trial or proceed to a jury trial.
Joining In-Progress Multidistrict Litigation
A few years ago, multidistrict litigation was pending against Zantac’s manufacturers, as explained by the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Known as MDL 2924, this group lawsuit appealed to many plaintiffs as an alternative to pursuing a case as an individual.
An MDL allows an injured party to share the costs and resources needed to handle pre-trial discovery and other pre-trial motions with the other plaintiffs. Something like this could be useful if expensive evidence, such as expert testimony, is required to link Zantac with your cancer.
While MDL 2924 was unsuccessful, several lawsuits are still pending due to the wide use of Zantac. Since the situation is always changing, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced defective drug attorney about your Zantac injuries and current legal options.
Understanding the Case Against Zantac
The case against Zantac and other affected ranitidine products centers around the fact that the drug metabolizes in the body into a chemical known as N-nitroso dimethylamine.
Although the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a threshold for a safe daily limit of NDMA, lawsuits allege that the amount of NDMA released by Zantac exceeded this limit. Both over-the-counter and prescription formulas may be affected.
According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high doses of NDMA can cause liver and lung cancer. They classify it as a probable human carcinogen.
Most cases against Zantac involve people who took the drug and developed cancer or other medical complications. Because of the large number of people who used this drug, class-action lawsuit options may also emerge against Zantac.
Cancers Associated With Ranitidine that Have Led to Zantac Lawsuits
If you or a loved one regularly used Zantac or a generic equivalent, it is crucial to be aware of the potential link between ranitidine and certain cancers.
Here are some of the cancers associated with ranitidine use that have prompted legal action:
- Bladder cancer: Studies have shown a potential connection between the use of ranitidine and an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
- Stomach cancer: Some studies suggest a potential link between ranitidine use and an elevated risk of stomach cancer.
- Pancreatic cancer: The presence of NDMA in ranitidine drugs has raised concerns about the increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
- Esophageal cancer: Ranitidine is often prescribed to manage acid reflux and related conditions affecting the esophagus. However, there have been cases where individuals who used ranitidine for an extended period subsequently developed esophageal cancer.
- Colorectal cancer: While the connection between ranitidine and colorectal cancer is still being investigated, several lawsuits have been filed alleging that prolonged use of Zantac contributed to the development of this form of cancer.
- Liver cancer: The presence of NDMA in ranitidine has also raised concerns about its impact on liver health. NDMA increases the risk of liver cancer when exposed to the body over an extended period.
- Kidney cancer: Although studies are ongoing to determine the extent of the association, some individuals who have taken ranitidine for an extended period and subsequently developed kidney cancer have filed lawsuits.
It is important to note that many of the associations between ranitidine drugs and certain cancers are still being investigated, and individual experiences may vary. If you have been diagnosed with any of the cancers mentioned above after long-term use of Zantac, you need an experienced attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation.
One of our Zantac lawsuit lawyers can evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and determine if you may be eligible for compensation for your illness and damages like pain and suffering.
Talk to Our Team to Determine if You Can File a Zantac Lawsuit
If you took Zantac or a related medication and were later diagnosed with cancer, one of our Zantac lawyers could help you participate in a lawsuit. If your case is successful, you could recover compensation for medical treatment, missed work, and other losses.
Zanes Law offers a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team. We can evaluate your situation, explain your rights, and manage your case. Remember, we only get paid if we get you compensation, so there’s no risk in seeking our help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review.