Can I Sue Zantac?

You might be able to file a civil lawsuit against the manufacturers of Zantac or another medication that contains ranitidine as an ingredient if you qualify. The best way to find out more about pursuing this type of case against a pharmaceutical company is to speak with an attorney from Zanes Law who regularly handles product liability litigation.

A Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyer can evaluate your case for free and explain your rights. We will review the details of your case with you and go over the actions we can take in your situation. We might be able to recover compensation to reimburse you for your cancer treatment, medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Understanding the Zantac Recall

In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of the heartburn medication Zantac (ranitidine) due to the presence of a probable human carcinogen, NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine), which is known to cause cancer in animals and is potentially harmful to humans. The recall included all forms of Zantac, including both prescription and over-the-counter products.

Several companies that manufacture and distribute Zantac have voluntarily recalled the product, including Novartis, Sanofi, Perrigo, and GlaxoSmithKline. The recall has also extended to generic versions of ranitidine products.

The FDA recommended that patients who are currently taking prescription Zantac should speak to their healthcare providers about other treatment options, while those who have purchased over-the-counter Zantac should stop taking it and consider alternative treatments. The agency also advised consumers to dispose of any Zantac they may still have at home.

Grounds for a Zantac Lawsuit

If you have taken Zantac and have developed cancer or other related health problems, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the medication, Sanofi or Boehringer Ingelheim. The grounds for a Zantac class action lawsuit typically include the following:

1. Negligence: The manufacturer failed to warn the public about the potential risks associated with taking Zantac.
2. Strict liability: The manufacturer knew or should have known about the potential risks of Zantac and failed to adequately test or warn about these risks.
3. Breach of warranty: The manufacturer made an express or implied warranty that Zantac was safe and effective, which turned out to be false.
4. Fraudulent concealment: The manufacturer concealed information about the risks associated with taking Zantac, which resulted in harm to the patient.

If you believe you have grounds for a Zantac lawsuit within the statute of limitations, it is important to speak with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case and help you determine your legal options. By filing a Zantac lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

Building a Case Against the Drug Manufacturer

To build a compelling case for compensation, your Zantac cancer risk lawyer will need to identify the liable party or parties. Currently, Zantac has a lot of liability litigation surrounding it, and you may wonder if you can sue.

Several drug manufacturers of ranitidine products, in addition to Zantac, are involved in these cases. The brand you used will determine who the target of your suit will be. In addition to identifying the liable party, a successful lawsuit will also need to show that you:

• Used Zantac or a generic formulation of the drug.
• Developed cancer or heightened risk of cancer after using this product.
• Can link your cancer diagnosis to taking Zantac.

While your medical records may prove that you have or had one or more forms of cancer and document that you took Zantac, showing a link between the drug and your cancer diagnosis may require additional steps.

Your case may need an expert witness to demonstrate to the court the nature of the chemical reaction involving N-nitroso dimethylamine (NDMA) and the link between this carcinogen and several types of cancer risks.

Past MDL Litigation and 2023 Update

Your potential Zantac lawsuit may or may not be an individual civil suit since so many plaintiffs have similar complaints. Multidistrict litigations (MDLs) are sometimes an option in product liability cases involving dangerous drugs. In an MDL, all participants share the costs of hiring experts and providing scientific research instead of forcing any one claimant to handle that independently.

To this end, multidistrict litigation (MDL 2924) offered a solution, but unfortunately, the plaintiffs did not prevail. That said, several other lawsuits are still pending as of 2023.

A representative from Zanes Law can further discuss your potential for filing a lawsuit against the makers of Zantac or another drug manufacturer when you call for a free consultation.

Drug Companies Pulled Ranitidine Products From Their Shelves Beginning in Late 2019

Brand-name Zantac was sold as an over-the-counter option and a prescription medication until it became known to contain levels of NDMA, a possible human carcinogen, that exceeded the safe daily limits.

Voluntary recalls removed the affected medications from drugstore shelves. Some drug and big-box stores stopped sales of all ranitidine products, even those unaffected by recalls.

Within weeks, the first claimants filed lawsuits against various generic drug makers and distributors of these medications. While thousands of these claims were unsuccessful, many are still taking legal action against Zantac’s manufacturers since so many used this medication.

Which Cancers Have Been Named in Zantac Lawsuits?

Civil lawsuits against Zantac have been filed by individuals and groups diagnosed with various types of cancer believed to be linked to the use of this popular medication.

The following cancers have been commonly mentioned in Zantac lawsuits:

• Bladder cancer: Zantac may be linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer, which affects the cells lining the bladder.
• Stomach cancer/gastric cancer: Some individuals have alleged that their Zantac use contributed to the development of stomach cancer, which occurs in the tissues of the stomach.
• Esophageal cancer: Zantac lawsuits have also included claims related to esophageal cancer, a type of cancer that develops in the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
• Colorectal cancer: Zantac lawsuits have also involved claims of colorectal cancer, a malignancy affecting the colon or rectum. There are also some lawsuits involving prostate cancer and this ranitidine medication.
• Kidney cancer: Several types of kidney cancers have been associated with Zantac use in certain legal claims.
• Liver cancer: Doctors have raised questions about a potential connection between ranitidine medication and liver cancer originating in the liver cells.
• Lung cancer: Zantac lawsuits have included allegations of lung cancer, a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal lung cells.
• Ovarian cancer: Some Zantac users have asserted that their use of the medication contributed to the development of ovarian cancer, a cancer that affects the ovaries.
• Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer, which occurs in the pancreas, has been mentioned in Zantac lawsuits, alleging a link between the medication and this type of malignancy.

It is important to note that these are examples of the kinds of cancers named in Zantac lawsuits, but the specific cancers associated with Zantac may vary from case to case. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with any form of cancer and have a history of Zantac use, an attorney who specializes in Zantac litigation can evaluate your claim.

You Could Take Action if You Took Zantac

Fortunately, there are still options for suing Zantac and generic manufacturers in 2023. A Zantac cancer lawyer can help you review which options are available to you and your best course of action for pursuing compensation for the damages you suffered.

If you have a cancer diagnosis or previously developed cancer after taking a ranitidine drug, you might have several options for filing a class action lawsuit and pursuing financial recovery.

With the help of one of our attorneys, you could pursue compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity in your Zantac lawsuit.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to in a Zantac Lawsuit

If you decide to pursue legal action against the popular heartburn medication Zantac, there are several types of compensation that you may be able to receive.

Economic Damages

First and foremost, you may be able to receive compensation for any medical bills or expenses incurred as a result of taking Zantac. This can include costs for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and any other required treatment for your medical condition. Additionally, if you suffered any lost wages or income as a result of your illness or treatment, you may be able to receive compensation for those losses as well.

Non-Economic Damages

Another type of compensation you may be entitled to is pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your illness and treatment. This compensation may be significant in some cases, particularly if you experienced severe symptoms or required extensive medical intervention.

If you believe you have a case against this popular heartburn medication, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to determine the compensation you may be entitled to. They can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Case Review From a Zantac Cancer Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been affected by the gastroesophageal reflux disease drug Zantac, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Taking legal action can also serve as a warning to pharmaceutical companies to prioritize public health over profits.

At Zanes Law, we are accepting ranitidine cancer cases nationwide. Our legal team can answer your questions about suing Zantac’s manufacturers, and we’re here to represent your case. Contact us now for a free initial consultation.