The popular medication Zantac, which is taken for heartburn, is now under fire for containing possible carcinogens.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pulled the popular heartburn medication, Zantac, from shelves after discovering that it could possibly contain carcinogens, which can lead to the development of certain cancers in consumers. No one should suffer from such serious diseases simply because they took a medication that was thought to be safe. Individuals who have developed cancer after taking Zantac, or who have lost a loved one, should speak to a Boca Raton product liability lawyer for help.
What is Zantac?
Zantac has been on the market since 1983. It is an over-the-counter medication that helps treat conditions such as heartburn and acid reflux. Zantac is also sold under the generic name, ranitidine. Drugs containing ranitidine are also available by prescription to help treat more serious gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers.
It was in 2018 that Zantac and similar drugs underwent testing for NDMA, a substance that is a known carcinogen. The study determined that Zantac and other medications contained high levels of NDMA, which caused the FDA to issue a warning.
Dangers of Zantac
The study that indicated high levels of NDMA in Zantac was conducted by Valisure. The study not only indicated high levels of the carcinogen, but also found that the drug becomes even more unstable when it is consumed. According to the study, when Zantac breaks down in the human body, it exposes a person to NDMA levels over 400 times the acceptable level. After conducting their own study, the FDA found that Zantac, as well as the generic forms of the drug, contain dangerous levels of NDMA. The diseases most closely associated with Zantac include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Small intestine cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Small intestine cancer
Any type of cancer has potentially devastating consequences for individuals. Anyone who believes they developed cancer due to consuming Zantac should speak to a product liability lawyer right away for help with their claim.
Are All Zantac Products Unsafe?
The FDA has found that not all Zantac products are unsafe for use. The recalls the FDA has issued pertain to the following products:
- Zantac 150
- Zantac 150 Cool Mint
- Zantac 75
- Generic over-the-counter products containing ranitidine
- Prescription capsules, oral syrups, and tablets containing ranitidine
- Other products containing ranitidine, such as Heartburn Relief and Wal-Zan 150
Although only certain products have been recalled, anyone who develops cancer after taking these products should speak to a lawyer who can help them claim damages.
Call Our Florida Product Liability Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has developed a disease after taking Zantac or a medication containing ranitidine, our Boca Raton product liability lawyers at Ged Lawyers, LLP, can help. We understand the devastating effects of these products, and will fight to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and more. Call us today at (561) 995-1966 or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
