The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Zantac has been linked to causing gastric and colorectal cancer. However, because the drug is processed by different vital organs, it is not out of the realm of possibility that cancer of the liver and kidney can be caused as well. Zantac contains N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a class B2 carcinogen, meaning that it could potentially cause cancer. For this reason, Zantac and ranitidine medications were pulled off the market in 2019. Anybody with a history of taking Zantac should speak with a medical professional, as they may be at an increased risk of developing serious health complications.
To reiterate, the kind of cancer Zantac causes includes:
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
Currently, there are many independent lawsuits, as well as mass torts, against the makers of Zantac for product liability negligence. By releasing a medication that had the possibility of causing adverse health conditions, claimants argue that the makers of the drug knew (or reasonably should have known) that their product could cause cancer.
Links Between NDMA And Serious Health Problems
The EPA notes that throughout one’s lifetime, they will likely come into contact with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). While NDMA can be present in water, food, and other substances meant for human consumption, NDMA’s presence above certain levels is dangerous. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry notes that NDMA can be extremely harmful to the liver of both humans and animals alike. It reports that severe liver damage and internal bleeding are just some of the side effects of heavily consuming this hazardous chemical. The kind of cancer Zantac causes involves the liver. Harvard Health Publishing stated that Zantac was designed to be taken on an “as-needed basis,” meaning that it was not meant to be a substitute for medical intervention. However, some users with chronic heartburn took this medication for much longer than it was intended. While the drug’s developers may not have been able to foresee this type of usage in consumers, these populations should speak with a medical professional regarding their health in light of these recent developments.
Backlash Against Zantac is Just Beginning
Research regarding the full extent of Zantac’s harmful side effects are still in its infancy. The kinds of cancer Zantac causes within your body are many. In September 2019, the FDA released an advisory saying that Zantac could potentially contain high levels of NDMA. Nearly a month later, in October 2019, the FDA issued a voluntary recall of Zantac, specifically addressing current users and healthcare providers. Keeping this timeline in mind, legal proceedings against Zantac have just begun. As more claimants come forward sharing details of their health conditions as a result of Zantac use, more information regarding this drug’s dangers will come to light.
A Lawyer Can Assist in Determining The Kind of Cancer Zantac May Cause
It can take time for health issues related to Zantac to arise. Since the drug was released in the1980s, there could be thousands of people living with related health complications without even knowing it. If your health has already been negatively impacted by Zantac, or if you have questions regarding your eligibility for legal action, a lawyer may be able to address your concerns.
An attorney can help you determine the kind of cancer Zantac causes. Depending on the details of your situation, you may have a limited time to act. Florida typically allows up to four years to pursue personal injury claims under Florida Statute § Chapter 95.
Because of the unique nature of the mass torts against Zantac, this window of action may be longer. Speaking with a legal professional can help you understand your rights as you move forward in pursuing damages.
You May be Able to Pursue Compensation
Many people who have been affected by Zantac are filing independent lawsuits where they and their legal team work to pursue damages. However, others are participating in multidistrict litigation (MDL), the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation shows. This happens when claimants sharing a common liable party have their cases combined and sent to one court. MDL 2924 is currently handling legal proceedings against Zantac. As of February 2020, this MDL had over 150 claimants.
If you or a loved one have suffered adverse health conditions relating to Zantac, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or salary
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Lost professional, educational, or personal opportunities
This is not an extensive list of the items you may be able to pursue.
Call Our Team at The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today
You deserve honest, responsive legal care if you or a loved one was negatively impacted by Zantac. The number of claimants moving forward with legal action is growing, and you could be one of them. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine want to advocate on your behalf. Members of our dedicated team are standing by to take your call to learn how we can help. To start your free case review, call us today at 1-800-747-3733.
