Zantac is a prescription and over the counter medication used to treat acid reflux. The drug is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (acid inhibitor or H2 blocker). In September of 2019, the FDA began testing Zantac (also known as ranitidine) after they had received reports that independent testing had shown an increased level of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a probable human carcinogen that is acceptable at extremely low levels (it can be found in food and water) but can cause cancer if the levels consumed are too high.
The FDA concluded that all Zantac and generic versions should be removed on April 1, 2020, because the NDMA levels would increase under normal storage conditions but could increase dramatically if the temperature was higher which could occur during distribution or handling by the consumer.
The FDA’s guidance is for all consumers to dispose of any Zantac or any product that contains ranitidine. The FDA has also acknowledged that because of the COVID-19 pandemic consumers are to dispose of the medicine on their own and without returning it to the pharmacy. Additionally, the FDA has sent letters to all manufacturers asking them to recall all related products.
Since the elevated levels of NDMA have been discovered there have been lawsuits filed related to Zantac causing a variety of cancers. The cancers that are suspected to be related to prolonged use of Zantac are:
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer)
- Esophageal cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer (non-smokers)
- Ovarian cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Uterine cancer
If you have taken Zantac and developed one or more forms of the listed cancers you should contact an attorney to determine if you have a viable legal claim for damages. To speak with a Board Certified attorney today, please call 713-224-7800 or click here to contact us.