Why Is NDMA Dangerous?

N-Nitrosodimethylamine, known as NDMA, is something we all come into contact with regularly. NDMA is dangerous in large doses; thus, it is imperative to minimize your exposure. In high doses, or low doses over a long period of time, this compound can likely lead to a number of concerning health conditions. In animals, NDMA causes cancer, liver failure, and other major adverse reactions.

While it is concerning if a drug contains higher levels than the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows in a daily dose, there are additional concerns with Zantac. Claimants participating in the multidistrict litigation (MDL) about this heartburn drug, MDL 2924, believe the levels that occur after the drug metabolizes may be much higher than realized.

NDMA is a Proven Carcinogen in Animals

NDMA causes cancer in animals, and it is likely that it does the same in humans, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claim there are no known cases definitively linked to NDMA. NDMA, a dangerous substance, is used in animal research and is known to induce tumor growth in mice, rats, hamsters, and other animals.

When NDMA is administered in food, water, or air in low doses over several weeks or longer, laboratory animals may develop cancerous tumors in their lungs and livers, as well as other liver damage. Death may result.

When researchers administer a high dose of NDMA, either short-term or long-term, the rodent general develops liver damage, internal bleeding, liver failure, and death.

The Zantac Cancer Lawsuits Claim NDMA Causes Many Types of Cancer in Humans

According to the multidistrict litigation 2924 filed in the Zantac (ranitidine) products liability litigation, there are two major concerns about NDMA:

• It can induce malignant tumors in many spots in the human body
• It occurs in much higher doses in Zantac than the FDA admits

The claimants correctly believe that researchers often use NDMA to cause tumor growth in animals used to test cancer and other medical treatments, because it causes the tumors they need to test. They also claim NDMA does the same in people, according to scientific research, dietary studies, and occupational exposure.

According to documents filed by the plaintiffs, NDMA could cause cancer in humans in various locations throughout the body, which includes:

• Stomach
• Intestine
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Esophagus
• Kidney
• Bladder

While the court documents reveal that claimants believe the low levels of NDMA contamination in Zantac and other ranitidine drugs announced by the FDA are worrisome, they also claim the problem is much larger.

According to the filings, the NDMA levels when the body metabolizes ranitidine are much higher, especially when combined with certain foods. This is why NDMA is dangerous. Many of these are the same foods that might trigger heartburn and call for a dose of Zantac or another similar medication.

The level of NDMA that can occur in those who take this medication after it metabolizes is significant. This level is “tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of times higher” than the allowable daily threshold set by the FDA, according to the filings.

The NDMA that led to the voluntary recalls and the initial concern was only slightly above the daily allowance limits, according to the FDA.

You May be Able to Join an NDMA Mass Tort

If you took Zantac and later received a cancer diagnosis, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. There is an ongoing multidistrict litigation related to Zantac cancer cases as of March 2020. If you pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer of Zantac or another ranitidine drug, you may be able to join MDL 2924.

Our attorneys can help you understand if you have a compelling Zantac cancer case and whether or not you are eligible to file a lawsuit and join MDL 2924. We can help you gather evidence to support your claim and navigate the legal process on your behalf while you focus on your treatment and getting better.

We may also be able to take on your wrongful death case if your loved one passed away as a result of their cancer. We can review your case for free today and sign you up for representation on the same call.

Talk to a Lawyer About Why NDMA is Dangerous

At Zanes Law, our Zantac cancer attorney can discuss the facts of your case with you for free today. We may be able to take legal action on your behalf, offering a low-stress way to pursue legal action while you focus on your healing.

Call 866-499-8989 today to learn more. Our case reviews are always free, and we can explain your rights and answer your questions.