The Zantac cancer lawsuits currently underway accuse the drug companies of creating, manufacturing, and marketing a dangerous drug that can cause cancer and lead to economic and non-economic losses.
According to a court document from MDL 2924, Plaintiffs allege that the drug is defective because it lacks adequate warnings that it contains N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical linked to lung and liver cancer, liver damage, and death in laboratory animals. Claimants filing lawsuits against Zantac allege that the drug also causes cancer in humans.
In addition to possibly causing liver cancer and a number of other malignant tumors in humans, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR), the costs of treating these cancers and missing work because of a diagnosis can add up quickly.
Those who do receive a cancer diagnosis and require chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hospitalization, and other treatment may owe hundreds of thousands of dollars before they go into remission. At the same time, they likely cannot work and are suffering through the most stressful and emotionally draining time of their lives.
Zantac Poses Significant Health Risks to Animals
According to ATSDR, NDMA is commonly used for research purposes. It is generally administered to animals in laboratories via food, water, or air. It may be used to cause tumors, allowing the researchers to work to shrink, treat, or prevent those tumors.
The NDMA found in Zantac is known to cause significant health impacts in mice, rats, hamsters, and other animals. These health impacts include:
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Liver damage
- Liver failure
- Internal bleeding
- Death
NDMA may also cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant rodents.
It is important to note that this is true in animals who receive high-level, short-term exposure to NDMA, as well as those who receive low-level, long-term exposure. The levels of NDMA allowed in medications under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits are extremely low.
However, low levels of the chemical NDMA can cause significant harm to laboratory animals. The ATSDR reports that 16 parts per million (ppm) of NDMA in the air can lead to liver damage and death in animals. While the ATSDR does not list any known cases of cancer in humans linked to NDMA, they leave open the possibility that it could occur.
Zantac Cancer Lawsuits Allege Tumors in Many Parts of the Body
According to a court document from MDL 2924, claimants point toward ranitidine and NDMA for a variety of cancer types. They allege that cancer can grow in many areas of the body as a result of NDMA in this medication and the reaction that occurs when the body metabolizes Zantac. The locations of cancerous tumors that could occur as a result of ranitidine include:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Liver
- Pancreas
The treatments for these cancers depend on a variety of factors, including the stage of the cancer when diagnosed. The treatment plan will play a significant role in the financial and emotional costs of the treatment.
Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit
Claimants who are participating in the Zantac multidistrict litigation (MDL) and other lawsuits filed against these drug companies are likely seeking large payouts to help cover the damages they suffered. Treating cancer is expensive, and your pain, suffering, and mental anguish are no doubt intense.
If the MDL can prove a link between the medication and cancer, recoverable damages through a settlement or court award may include:
- Medical care and treatment expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Out of pocket expenses related to your cancer and treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If your immediate family member passed away as a result of cancer, or had cancer and took Zantac but passed away from another cause, you may be able to take legal action in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Talk to a Zantac Cancer Lawyer Today for Free
If you took Zantac and later suffered a related medical concern such as cancer, you may have a case against the drug manufacturer. You may be able to join the mass tort already ongoing. A member of the Zanes Law dangerous and defective drugs team can review your case for free today.
We want to discuss the facts of your case, injuries, and damages with you for free today. We may be able to sign you up for our services on the same call and go to work for you right away.
Call 866-499-8989 today for your free initial consultation with a member of our Zanes Law Zantac cancer lawsuit team. We handle dangerous and defective drug cases with no upfront costs to our clients. We only get our attorney’s fees if we collect a settlement or award on your behalf.