Zantac, a medication used to treat heartburn, was voluntarily recalled by its manufacturer Sanofi in October 2019 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found it was found to be likely contaminated with a substance that has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. According to USA Today, several generic versions of the medication, which is also known as ranitidine, had also been recalled by their manufacturers and distributors.

In early April 2020, the FDA sent letters to all manufacturers of ranitidine medications requesting they remove their products from the marketplace effective immediately, as the risk posed to the public health was deemed too great until quality could be assured.

The contaminant, nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), was previously discovered in many types of recalled blood pressure medications, including valsartan and losartan. The FDA first began investigating Zantac and ranitidine tablets after Valisure, a Connecticut-based online pharmacy, found significantly higher levels of NDMA than the FDA’s recommended daily limits in the medications.

What Complications May Be Associated with Zantac?

Because NDMA is a probable carcinogen, people who took Zantac or generic ranitidine for at least one year may be at higher risk for the following types of cancer:

  • Bladder
  • Stomach
  • Intestinal
  • Esophageal
  • Kidney
  • Pancreatic
  • Colon
  • Liver

USA Today reports that because of the risks associated with the medications, Valisure submitted a citizen petition to the FDA requesting the agency initiate a recall and suspend sales of both the branded and generic versions of ranitidine.

What Compensation Is Available for Zantac Cancer Victims?

The expenses associated with Zantac-related cancer can be overwhelming. Cancer treatments often involve potent and expensive medications and therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation. Many victims are unable to work while undergoing treatment and for weeks or months afterward while they recover.

Zantac cancer victims may be eligible for the following types of compensation:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Current and future lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • And more

Getting compensation for Zantac-related cancer expenses isn’t a straightforward process, as its manufacturer and distributors may be reluctant to pay settlements. However, hiring a lawyer may help maximize the chances of getting compensation.

What Should You Do If You Took or Are Currently Taking Zantac?

If you take Zantac or another ranitidine medication by prescription, or took it in the past in either pill or liquid form, talk to your doctor about your options. Other prescription and over-the-counter heartburn medications that don’t contain probable carcinogens are available.

If you are taking over-the-counter medication that contains ranitidine, the FDA recommends you stop taking it immediately and dispose of it according to the disposal directions included in the medication guide or insert without replacing it.

If you or someone you love took or are currently taking Zantac and developed cancer, including bladder, stomach, intestinal, esophageal, kidney, pancreatic, colon, or liver cancer, call the drug injury attorneys at Ferrer Poirot Feller. Your cancer diagnosis may be related to the carcinogens present in Zantac and generic ranitidine, and it’s our goal to help you get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other complication-related expenses.

Contact our defective drug injury law firm today for a free consultation. We want to help you get the money you deserve.

Zantac is a registered trademark of Sanofi.

This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Sanofi, or USA Today.

Do not stop taking a prescription medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice can result in injury or death. 

Cases may be referred to another attorney or law firm.