What is Zantac?
Zantac is the trade name for ranitidine. It is a medication that is used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as ulcers of the stomach and the intestines, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, indigestion and heartburn.
Ranitidine is classified as a histamine blocker. It is available both over the counter and by prescription. It came on the market in 1981 and it has since grown to become one of the most popular heartburn medications in the world.
Zantac and the FDA
The amounts of NDMA Valisure found in Zantac exceeded the daily FDA approval standards by 3,000 to 26,000 times. After finding out the shocking news, they petitioned the FDA to recall the medication. The FDA did not issue a recall but on Sept. 13, 2019, they reported an advisory to warn people of the potential harm the drug could cause.
In addition to these shocking findings, it has also been alleged that Zantac drug manufacturers Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelham were aware of the high levels of NDMA in the drug and they did not alert the public of how dangerous it could be.
The Zantac Cancer Link
NDMA is the cancer causing chemical in Zantac. It has been linked to numerous forms of cancer including bladder cancer and stomach cancer. It has also been associated with liver fibrosis and scarring and tumors in the liver, kidneys and lungs. It can also cause headaches, fever, jaundice, vomiting, abdominal cramps and reduced function of the kidney, lungs and liver.
NDMA has been classified as a carcinogenic by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FDA.
Currently, the FDA is working with industry partners and regulators to further investigate ranitidine and its harmful properties. The agency plans to take the appropriate measures to prevent further health risks.
The Zantac Recall
Even though the FDA did not issue a recall of ranitidine products, several retailers have drug manufacturers have. Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart and CVS are some of the retailers that have taken the medication off their shelves. Apotex, Sandoz and GlaxoSmithKline are among the drug manufacturers who have issued a recall.
In more recent news, Amneal Pharmaceutical joined the ranks recalling all lots of 150 mg and 300 mg tablets as well as 15 mg syrup. Earlier the same week of the Amneal recall, Aurobindo Pharma USA and American Health Packages also issued recalls of the product. This makes for a total of nine ranitidine recalls so far.
In the meantime, reports are that the current testing the FDA is conducting on ranitidine reveals that the levels of NDMA in the medication are not high enough to cause cancer, but, because the chemical is classified as a carcinogen, long term use of Zantac is not recommended.
Those who wish to stop taking Zantac should talk to their doctors to find a suitable alternative. There are many histamine blockers on the market that are effective in treating gastrointestinal issues that do not contain NDMA.
Taking Action Against Zantac
If you have taken Zantac in the past and want to take action against the company for not informing consumers of the dangers associated with the medication, here are some steps you can take.
Consumers and medical professionals who use or prescribe ranitidine are advised to report any adverse reactions to the FDA through its Medwatch program. This will help the agency in their investigation so they can become more familiar with the drug’s potential hazards.
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac in the past, and have developed cancer as a result, you may be eligible to file a class action lawsuit. The right lawyer can help you to become compensated for damages including a loss of income, medical expenses, emotional pain and suffering and punitive damages.
Furthermore, filing a lawsuit also serve as a warning to pharmaceutical companies which will serve to enforce stronger consumer protection and make them more transparent about the contents of their medication.
A personal injury or wrongful death lawyer can represent you in court to help you get the compensation you need and the justice you deserve. They will determine at fault parties, gather evidence to build your case and assess damages so you can be fairly compensated for your losses.
Zantac manufacturers were aware of the cancer-causing chemical in their product, yet they continued to sell it to millions of people. Don’t let them get away with it. If your life has been negatively affected by using Zantac, call a reliable Zantac lawyer today.
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