Zantac Recall and Lawsuit Information

Ranitidine, marketed under the trade name Zantac, is a drug that is used to prevent and treat a variety of ailments including heartburn, stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other medical conditions. It belongs to a group of drugs known as histamine-2 blockers, which minimizes the amount of acid produced in the stomach. However, Zantac was recently recalled after the FDA discovered that it contains a probable carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer). Below is a discussion outlining the dangers of Zantac and what to do if you believe you have suffered as a result of ranitidine usage.

Dangers of Zantac

In September 2019 the FDA was alerted that an independent laboratory test performed by an online pharmacy, Valisure, found high levels of a cancer-causing chemical known as Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in several batches of ranitidine drugs. As a result, retailers pulled the drug from their shelves and pharmaceutical companies voluntarily recalled the drug. In early April 2020, the FDA requested the removal of all prescription and over the counter (OTC) ranitidine drugs, including Zantac, from the market immediately. The FDA established that the impurity in some ranitidine drugs increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures. The FDA found that although the levels of NDMA in many of the samples that were tested were not as high as initially reported, it should not be available to consumers because the levels of NDMA could become higher if not stored at room temperature and also as the medication ages on the shelf.

Zantac Complications

Those who took Zantac or generic ranitidine for at least one year may be at higher risk for the following types of cancer:

• Stomach
• Pancreatic
• Liver
• Esophageal
• Bladder

The Bottom Line

The FDA recommends you stop taking over the counter medication that contains ranitidine and dispose of it according to the disposal directions included in the medication guide or insert. If you are taking prescription medication that contains ranitidine, talk to your doctor about your options. There are other prescription and over the counter heartburn medications that do not contain probable carcinogens.

If you or someone you love took or are currently taking Zantac and developed cancer, including bladder, stomach, esophageal, pancreatic, or liver cancer, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Your cancer diagnosis may be related to the carcinogens present in Zantac, and it’s our goal to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other complication-related expenses.