Zantac Recall: What You Should Know
Michael Babboni
Law
In September of 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration announced that low levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) had been detected in Zantac. NDMA is a carcinogen and has been found in several other drugs over the years. More recently, even higher levels of this carcinogen were found in Metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, leading to the recall of that product in 2020.Zantac is a drug taken by people as a means to relieve and prevent heartburn. It was readily available over the counter as well as through a prescription. The over-the-counter Zantac option is in 150-milligram tablets, while the prescription-strength option is double that.
Zantac and NDMA
NDMA can form through natural processes or industrial processes. The active ingredient found in Zantac is ranitidine and contains nitrate and dimethylamine, which are the two elements needed to form NDM. When people consume high levels, there are at an increased risk of cancer.
Risks of NDMA
The EPA has classified NDMA as a B2 carcinogen, but studies done on humans are limited. However, from the studies that have been done on animals, researchers found that it caused the animals to develop tumors in their body, particularly in the liver, respiratory tracts, and blood vessels following exposure.
It leads to colon cancer, stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and others in humans. Evidence has also pointed to the fact that it could be linked to breast cancer as well. Other symptoms of exposure to this carcinogen include headaches, abdominal cramps, jaundice, vomiting, nausea, and dizziness.
Regulatory Actions
The FDA sent out letters in April of 2020 requesting that the manufacturer withdraw their products from the consumer market. It was then officially advised by the FDA that consumers stop taking Zantac over-the-counter medications immediately.
Have You Taken Zantac?
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac that contained NDMA and have experienced negative side effects as a result, then you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation. If you experience symptoms that may include unintentional weight loss, poor appetite, nausea or vomiting, bloody or tarry stools, a change in bowel habits, back pain, jaundice, dark urine or blood in the urine, or incontinence, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you decide to pursue a lawsuit for cancer, then you may be able to recover medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, loss of life, and punitive damages against the manufacturer of the medication.
Hire an Attorney
If you have used Zantac that contains NDMA regularly and have developed any of the cancers we have mentioned above, then seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney to help you with your claim. You no longer have to suffer through your illness alone. Recover compensation for this kind of negligence.
The attorney will help prove that your injuries are linked to your use of the medication, so you can file a defective medication lawsuit to get the compensation you so rightfully deserve.