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There are no studies indicating that Zantac or other ranitidine formulations can affect your heart long term. Zantac can affect your heart short term. Unexplained changes in heart rhythm, including fast heart rate, slow heart rate, and an irregular heartbeat, are possible, according to drug manufacturer Sanofi. These are reported adverse effects, and there is not necessarily proof of a causal link to Zantac.
Other heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) medications have been shown to increase cardiovascular risks, so it is important to discuss these drugs with your doctor.
Possible Heart-Related Adverse Reactions Listed For Ranitidine
Sanofi, the French manufacturer of Zantac, lists some heart-related adverse reactions that have been reported in its product monograph. Adverse reactions from Zantac that affect your heart, generally occur after a person takes an oral dose of a prescription-strength ranitidine product. It is also important to note that the company must list all reported reactions, even when a causal relationship to the medication is not clear.
The negative cardiovascular reactions listed in the Zantac monograph are generally temporary in nature and should return to normal after discontinuing use. Zantac is a histamine H2 receptor antagonist, or H2 blocker, a class of drugs that also includes cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine. There are heart rhythm-related adverse reactions reported for H2 blockers that make Zantac affect your heart..
Other ways Zantac can affect your heart includes several types of arrhythmias, such as:
- Tachycardia
- Premature ventricular beats
- Sinus bradycardia
- Asystole
- Extrasystole
- Atrioventricular block with sinus pauses
- Premature ventricular beats
Very rarely, heart palpitations and increases in blood pressure have also been reported, according to the label.
Alternatives May Have More Concerning Effects on the Heart
Since many ranitidine products were pulled from the shelves in late 2019, people who need these medications to treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other conditions may be considering alternatives. It is important they continue to manage their hyperacidity because it can cause cancer of the esophagus and other significant health concerns.
However, before considering different medications, it is important to discuss any potential risks with a medical professional. Alternatives to Zantac may pose a serious threat to your cardiovascular health. According to a Stanford University study, researchers found that adults with GERD who took prescription-strength proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) were around 20% more likely to have a heart attack than those who did not take these medications. The study looked at a 17-year period to determine that the increase in risk was between 16% and 21%.
While PPIs such as Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid are very popular, this increased risk may make these medications not right for some people. The study found no increased risk of a heart attack in those who took other drugs, including Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid.
Zantac Can Affect Your Heart in Many Ways
While there does not appear to be an increased risk of heart attack or lasting heart damage with Zantac, there are other concerns. In late 2019, the makers of Zantac and many of its generic equivalents pulled their products from the market after the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised them to do so.
This occurred because the regulatory agency tested many ranitidine products and found high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which in certain amounts can cause cancer, liver damage, and internal bleeding.
Within weeks, several parties had taken legal action against these drug companies, alleging they developed cancer as a result of using these medications. Still, in their early stages, many of these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), known as MDL 2924.
You May Be Able to Take Legal Action
If you used Zantac (or another related product) and later developed cancer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and join an MDL. To build this type of case, you will need to be able to show that you took this medication and that you have or had cancer. As a part of the MDL proceedings, attorneys will work to prove the link between this medication, NDMA, and cancer.
You may be eligible to pursue damages that include:
- Medical bills and other care costs related to your cancer treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket costs related to your cancer and care
- Pain and suffering, and other non-economic expenses
- Wrongful death damages if your loved one passed away as a result of their condition
Talk to a Zantac Cancer Attorney About Your Case
At Zanes Law, our attorneys will review your Zantac cancer case for free. Call us now at (866) 499-8989 to discuss the facts of your case and learn more about your legal options. If you are eligible to take action, we can handle your case on a contingency basis.