Zantac was once a popular medication prescribed for heartburn relief, gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux, and ulcers. However, it recently came to light that the drug contains ingredients linked to numerous types of cancer.
This has led to Zantac cancer lawsuit lawyers filing claims on behalf of people who were exposed to this human carcinogen after taking Zantac and developed various forms of cancer.
There are hundreds of pending civil lawsuits against the manufacturers of heartburn medication Zantac and its generic version, ranitidine. After Zantac was pulled off store shelves, many consumers took legal action.
This is because the amount of N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, in the drug exceeded the acceptable daily limits set by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Claimants Allege the Drug Companies Knew About the Cancer Risk For Decades
Claimants filing Zantac cancer cases allege that the drug companies knew about the NDMA link to cancer and the inherent instability of ranitidine long before the drugs were pulled from shelves in late 2019. According to a USA Today report, the lawsuits allege that the drug companies could have been aware of the link between the popular heartburn medication, Zantac (and ranitidine), and NDMA, a cancer-causing chemical, for more than 30 years.
Several generic manufacturers reached a settlement agreement outside of court that provided nearly $500 million dollars in compensation for the affected parties. This settlement came one week before the first lawsuit was set to go to trial in August 2022. The funds will mostly be split amongst claimants, with some money set aside to pay attorneys’ fees as well provide services like screenings to detect NDMA-related health effects.
Bellwether trials dealt a blow to many plaintiffs when Judge Robin Rosenberg, dismissed all the federal court claims, effectively dismantling the multidistrict litigation outright. However, it isn’t over yet. Individual claims are still being filed against this pharmaceutical company by victims and their families. Zanes Law can review the details of your case and may be able to help you pursue legal action against the manufacturer to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
Threats Increased in Certain Conditions
Studies conducted in recent years have revealed that Zantac can be hazardous to one’s health. This is because it is known to break down into a cancer-causing agent, especially under certain storage conditions such as extended exposure to heat or a prolonged storage period.
Furthermore, eating certain foods while taking Zantac may contribute to its potential carcinogenic effect. The FDA expressed concern about these findings, prompting the manufacturer of Zantac and other equivalent medicines to take it off store shelves. Soon, it was nowhere to be found. Shortly afterward, this discovery set in motion a series of legal claims filed against the drug producer.
Considering the recent evidence, there is significant reason for concern regarding the long-term effects resulting from taking this dangerous drug. If you took either the prescription form or over-the-counter version of Zantac and developed certain forms of cancer in the following years, you may be eligible to file a Zantac lawsuit.
Filing a Zantac Lawsuit May Allow You to Secure Financial Recovery
If you file a lawsuit and present evidence to support your cancer claim, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you sustained as a result of your diagnosis and treatment. A personal injury attorney from our firm can help you gather medical records, expert witness testimony, and other evidence to prove your damages. They may include:
- Current and future medical bills treatment and care costs
- Related expenses paid out of pocket
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other non-economic damages
To recover a payout, you will need to prove that the drug you took for your heartburn caused or contributed to your diagnosis.
In a lawsuit against Zantac, this may include:
- The link between your diagnosis and the drug
- That the drug companies knew about the exposure to unsafe levels of NDMA and failed to warn consumers
No matter what type of legal action you choose to take, our team can handle your case while you focus on your treatment and healing.
Building a Lawsuit Against Zantac
In 2019, several companies that make ranitidine medications pulled their drugs from the market because they contained higher than allowed levels of NDMA. Others voluntarily recalled their products because of the potential risk of NDMA exposure despite not testing above the acceptable daily intake limit. In some cases, stores pulled all ranitidine products from their shelves, including those that were not affected by the recalls.
There is evidence to link NDMA to an increased risk of cancer in animals, and it is considered a probable carcinogen in humans. NDMA causes liver cancer, lung cancer, and serious liver damage in rats, mice, hamsters, and other animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evidence from further scientific studies concluded exposure to ranitidine is linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Cancer victims who used Zantac or another form of ranitidine may be able to file a lawsuit against Zantac. A Zantac cancer lawsuit attorney may be able to evaluate your case and help you weigh the pros and cons of each action.
What Types of Cancers Might Qualify for a Lawsuit Against the Manufacturers of Zantac?
The specific types of cancers that qualify for the ongoing Zantac lawsuit depend on the person’s exposure timeline, type and duration of Zantac use and other factors.
In regards to what illnesses may qualify for the Zantac lawsuit, NDMA can lead to:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Brain cancer
- Gastroesophageal junction (gej) adenocarcinoma
Should any of these medical conditions develop after taking this heartburn product it’s essential to contact an experienced lawyer as they can help determine eligibility for potential legal action.
An experienced injury lawyer can also provide important guidance on existing medical treatment options and advise on any available compensation options provided by manufacturers as well as other entities such as insurers or government agencies.
What Steps do I Take If I Believe that I May Have a Claim Against Zantac?
The first step in determining whether an individual is eligible to join the Zantac lawsuit is to contact a personal injury lawyer with Zanes Law. A lawyer will review your case and advise you if they believe that your illness or injuries were related to taking Zantac by evaluating key factors such as when you began using the medication, your level of exposure to the drug,or if the cancer diagnosis was recent or came after extended use.
If there is sufficient evidence linking your medical condition to taking Zantac, then a lawyer can help represent your claim in court.
Talk to a Lawyer About the Lawsuit Against Zantac
If you took Zantac or another ranitidine drug and developed cancer, a member of the Zanes Law team can review your case today for free. We may be able to help you hold the drug manufacturer accountable for the defective design of this drug and recover compensation for your expenses and losses.
Contact Zanes Law today. A cancer lawyer with our firm can evaluate your case, answer your questions, and advise you of your legal options. You may be able to recover compensation for your medical treatments, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
When you are represented by Zanes Law, you can rest assured knowing that we work on a contingency-fee-basis. You pay nothing upfront in this arrangement. We only receive payment if you win a settlement or ruling in your favor in court.