December 2020 Zantac Cancer Lawsuit Updates
Lawsuits have been filed against certain manufacturers of Zantac by attorneys across the country on behalf of individuals who allege that their exposure to cancer-causing chemicals in the medicine caused or contributed to cause them to develop cancer. Zantac, a drug commonly taken for heartburn, with billions in sales, was recalled by manufacturers because it may contain a chemical that has been identified as potentially causing cancer. The recall arose after findings of potentially dangerous levels of a carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The most common cancers which are allegedly linked to Zantac include: stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, and liver cancer. Other cancers potentially linked to Zantac include multiple myeloma, brain cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, and uterine cancers, among others.
These lawsuits allege, in part, that drug manufacturers failed to inform the public that Zantac contained potentially harmful compounds, and failed to adequately take action to avoid putting consumers at risk. Some lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew or should have known of these risks for many years. Zantac has been on the market since receiving FDA approval in 1983. Over 10 million people are known to have been regular users of the medication.
What Is NDMA?
NDMA is an odorless yellow oil and a suspected carcinogen according to the EPA. NDMA can be found naturally in foods like cheese and beer or it can be formed during industrial processes, but those products are regulated to ensure that the amount of NDMA is well below the thresholds which could potentially cause cancer. NDMA can get into medications as a contaminant from pharmaceutical manufacturers reusing equipment and expensive fluids over multiple manufacturing batches to decrease costs for prescription drugs. However, in Zantac’s case, the primary allegation is that Zantac’s levels of NDMA would increase well beyond the acceptable regulatory limits of NDMA over time and due to the nature of the product itself. This has resulted in mass removal of the product from the market.
Snapshot Update Timeline
December 2020 – Multiple lawsuits involving multiple plaintiffs have been filed and the FDA has opened an ongoing investigation into NDMA levels and potential risks in Zantac and generic versions.
Defendants In Ongoing Zantac Lawsuits:
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- GlaxoSmithKline LLC; Pfizer Inc.
- Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC
- Sanofi US Services Inc.
- Chattem, Inc.
What is the Zantac Lawsuit?
A Zantac lawsuit has been filed on behalf people who allege Zantac caused them to develop cancer. These Zantac lawsuit allege that had consumers known the risks, they would not have purchased or consumed ranitidine and had doctors known the risks, they would not have prescribed the medication as freely as was common.
Ask Your Family Members
If you or a loved one were prescribed Zantac and have any of the following injuries, please contact us:
- Bladder Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Brain Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Esophageal/Nasal/Throat Cancer
- Intestinal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Uterine Canter
- Other related illnesses
You may be entitled to compensation through the Zantac lawsuit. Contact McCallister Law Group for a free consultation.
Common Cancer Symptoms To Watch Out For:
- Sudden Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Nausea
- Bloody stools
- Light-colored or greasy stools
- Bowel habit changes
- Fatigue, dizziness, anemia, and weakness
- Unusual abdominal pain unrelated to heartburn
- Back pain
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Painful urination, dark urine or blood in the urine
- Urinary urgency or incontinence
Am I Eligible For The Zantac Lawsuit?
Please contact us to discuss your individual case. Every potential case is different and we are happy to discuss your situation with you to discuss your legal options and rights.
What Exactly Is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name for generic drug Ranitidine. Zantac commonly is used to reduce the stomach acid in the body and prevent ulcers of the stomach, intestines, acid indigestion, and heartburn. Zantac is available both over-the-counter and by prescription with different strengths. Zantac has been available commercially since 1981 and is the 50th most prescribed medication in the U.S.
How To Recognize If You Took Zantac
Most Common Forms of Zantac & Generic Products:
- Zantac 150 Tablets
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
- Zantac 75 Tablets
- Wal-Zan 150
- Wal-Zan 75
- Heartburn Relief
- Acid Reducer
- Acid Control
Steps to Take to Assist with the Consultation Process
Step 1: Check the name of the drug you or a loved one has taken
Step 2: Confirm how long the medication was taken
Step 3: Attempt to locate any prescription records, or other records that can be used to prove purchase or use of the medication.
Step 4: If you have any medical records confirming a cancer diagnosis accessible to you, have these available to discuss with an attorney.
Step 5: Make sure that you feel comfortable with the law firm that you speak with about a potential case. There are many firms handling these cases and so there is no reason to agree to be represented by any firm that you do not feel confident about.
Am I Eligible To Participate In A Zantac Cancer Lawsuit or Zantac Mass Tort (MDL) or Zantac Class-Action Lawsuit?
Consult with an attorney with experience handling drug defect litigation to discuss your potential place in the Zantac lawsuits.
How We Can Help
These lawsuit can help set the stage for stronger consumer protections in the future for consumers. As well, the lawsuits may provide a way for those who have been harmed to ensure that they are compensated. Damages that might be compensable will vary case-by-case, but may include:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Physical Pain from taking the drug and from the harms that it caused
Loss of wages & potential earnings
Grief and support losses caused by the death of a loved one
Other losses or damages attributable to harms caused by the medication or its side-effects.
McCallister Law Group, Experienced Product Liability Attorneys
At McCallister Law Group, our team of attorneys are available to help you determine if you are eligible for the Zantac lawsuit, free of charge. You only pay if you receive compensation and we take a no pressure, no obligation approach during your complimentary consultations.
Contact McCallister Law Group through email, phone, or in person to talk to our team about the ongoing Zantac cancer lawsuits and to determine if you or a loved one might qualify for representation.
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References
https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/personal_injury_lawsuit/bad_drug_lawsuit/zantac-lawsuit/
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=89e99b45-5073-40b0-b85a-9f7a53e7a331
https://newyork.legalexaminer.com/health/generic-ranitidine-manufacturers-try-to-get-class-action-case-dismissed/
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/zantac-recall-cancer-side-effects/
https://www.malmanlaw.com/malman-law-injury-blog/who-is-responsible-for-zantac-injuries-and-how-can-i-recover/
