Zantac Lawsuits

Zantac, which is both an over-the-counter and prescription medication had been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The manufacturers of Zantac knew about this side effect but still did not inform/warn the general public. As a result, many users ended up suffering from short and long-term health issues, with others ending up dead. As a result, injured victims have begun filing lawsuits against the manufacturer of Zantac and associates responsible for this negligence to hold them accountable for this injustice.

Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim made over $1 billion in profits from the sale of the drug while hiding the carcinogenic side effects. Zantac is the most profitable medication in its class. Millions of people used Zantac to treat gastrointestinal conditions like gastric cancer, sour stomach, heartburn, duodenal ulcers, acid reflux, and Barret’s esophagus entirely in the dark regarding the cancer risk.

Sadly, many people suffered due to this negligence. The only possible course of action left is to file a claim against Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim for neglecting to reveal to the public the risks associated with the use of Zantac. Their negligence is directly accountable for putting Zantac users in harm’s way. Our injury law firm has been helping victims gain compensation for their losses for

What is Zantac Used to Treat?

Ranitidine is the most common version of Zantac. The medication works by lowering the amount of acid produced in the stomach. The drug is often prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:

  • Acid reflux
  • Heartburn
  • Intestinal ulcers
  • Peptic ulcers
  • Indigestion
  • Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
  • Stomach ulcers

The drug can be purchased over-the-counter in lower doses. Doctors have also been prescribing Zantac for years to their patients without the slightest clue that the drugs they were prescribing had cancer-causing side effects.

The medication was first introduced in the US market in 1981 and quickly climbed to the top of the list as the 50th most prescribed drug on the market.

Has the FDA Issue Warnings for Zantac?

The FDA issued its first official warning regarding the drug in September 2019 soon after they discovered the carcinogenic properties. The FDA found that n-Nitrosodimethylamine, the ingredient with carcinogenic properties in Zantac, far exceeded the FDA allowed levels by between 3,000 and 3,600 times.

Currently, carcinogen levels permitted by the FDA are below 100 nanograms. However, after continued testing, it was found that 1 Zantac pill contained even up to 3,000,000 nanograms of this n-Nitrosodimethylamine (the carcinogenic compound). While over the counter Zantac tablets come in 150mg doses, those prescribed by a doctor come in 300mg, which is double the dose. Typically, prescribed Zantac should be taken 1 x 300mg every night before going to bed, and prescriptions usually last from 6 to 8 weeks.

an attorney meeting with a client to discuss the details of a zantac lawsuit.

One of the claims filed against Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacturers, revealed that the manufacturers knew about the carcinogenic ingredient in Zantac and that they played a role in the increased risk of users developing cancer. The company knowingly failed to tell both patients and health care providers of this increased risk.

Has Research Been Conducted on Zantac?

Recent testing of 100+ Zantac tablets conducted by the FDA confirmed that there are indeed some ingredients of Zantac that have carcinogenic properties. According to the FDA, the levels of carcinogens present in the pills are so high that they are 2,000 times higher than the daily limit. The primary culprit is NDMA – n-Nitrosodimethylamine.

Nitrosodimethylamine contained in Zantac tablets have since been associated with a range of different kinds of cancer. There has been evidence suggesting that manufacturers of Zantac, namely Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, were not only well-informed regarding the carcinogenic properties of Zantac, but they intentionally withheld the information from the general public.

Further research into the issue has shown that people who use Zantac have an above-average concentration of n-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) traces in their urine. This concentration was above the normal levels by over 400 times that of other similar drugs in the market. Results from surveys also revealed that a majority of patients would have discontinued the use of Zantac immediately, or refused to take it altogether if only they had been informed of the cancer-causing risks associated with the medication.

Has A Definite Link Between Zantac And Cancer Been Established?

There are several ways in which the carcinogenic properties of n-Nitrosodimethylamine contained in Zantac affect the organs of the human body. The liver is especially at high risk. A long-term user of Zantac can lead to the development of the following health conditions:

  • Tumors in the lungs, kidneys, and liver
  • Stomach cancer
  • Fibrosis of the liver
  • Bladder cancer
  • Scarring of the liver

WHO Has Officially Listed NDMA As A Carcinogen

FDA and other medical organizations, including the World Health Organization, are doing more research into Ranitidine and any impurities contained in the drug. This further research will seek to identify the exact ways in which Ranitidine (Zantac) may put its users at risk. At the moment, there’s no set deadline for when these studies will be finalized. The FDA is expected to take the necessary measures depending on the results of these studies.

Has Ranitidine (Zantac) Been Recalled?

At the moment, the FDA has not signed off on the recall for Zantac by manufacturers or retailers. However, many retailers around the country have taken it upon themselves to pull the drug from their shelves until testing into the cancer risks has been finalized.

Statistically, there are numbers showing that the levels of NDMA contained in Zantac are not enough to cause cancer in humans. However, NDMA has been listed by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen, which means it could cause harm to humans, particularly those who are exposed to it for an extended period.

Medical experts, therefore, warn against the long-term use of Zantac. The FDA advises that individuals suffering from digestive health issues should discuss with their medical practitioners about different treatment methods available so as to find a safer alternative to Ranitidine (Zantac). There are many medications available that offer similar benefits as Zantac but without the cancer risks linked with NDMA.

How Can One File A Zantac Lawsuit?

To date, there have been several class-action lawsuits filed against Zantac manufacturers. These lawsuits were filed by multiple Zantac users banding together. This means that if you, a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using Zantac, you may qualify to seek compensation from the manufacturing companies. This is especially relevant to cancer of the bladder or stomach.

Some of the claims you could be entitled to from the manufacturing companies of Zantac include:

  • Lost wages/income
  • Medical expenses (linked to medical conditions caused by using Zantac)
  • Punitive damages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life

All successful mass tort lawsuits provide support for victims who developed cancer after extended use of Zantac and the carcinogenic ingredients of the drug. Victims of these cases may receive financial compensation to help cover medical costs resulting from the use of the drug. Settlement may also cover monetary compensation for lost wages/income/salary.

a blister pack of white circular zantac pills on a yellow background.

Successful class-action lawsuits of this kind also have the benefit of acting as a wake-up call for pharmaceutical manufacturers to adhere to the strict labeling standards to avoid such lawsuits in the future. Lawsuits can spearhead the formulation of new rules and regulations to better protect the general public from similar cases of negligence by manufacturers.

Medwatch, which collects and keeps track of data related to safety information and risk involved with the use of particular medication, has asked Ranitidine users to come forward with any side effects that they may be experiencing after taking the drug.

Filing a Claim

It helps to know the procedure that must be followed when filing a lawsuit of this nature, and what to expect. A claim against Zantac follows the same process as that of every personal injury claim. That means that the first step is to get an experienced personal injury attorney who is adept at dealing with cases involving medical negligence, dangerous drugs, and familiar with the pharmaceutical niche.

You can also sue Zantac manufacturers if a loved one has died as a result of cancer linked to the exposure/use of Zantac. In such a scenario, look for an attorney who specializes in wrongful death lawsuits. Working with an attorney with experience in dealing with pharmaceutical companies and the drugs they produce helps ensure the success of the suit.

Filing a claim to go against the manufacturers of Zantac is quite similar to filing a claim for other personal injury cases. As mentioned before, hiring a personal injury lawyer who is well-versed in pharmaceuticals and medication can increase the lawsuit’s chances of success. They can help you avoid mistakes, help collect crucial evidence, and support your claims for compensation.

Your personal injury attorney will analyze and form an impression of your case to establish what you can claim, the amount you can claim, as well as who to hold liable for the harm done to you. It is imperative that you keep all the paperwork relevant to the case, including doctor’s notes, medical bills/receipts, and any other documents that can support your claim. These documents are part of the evidence and will be introduced in the case to help determine compensation.

Individuals filing for these types of claims can also sue the manufacturing companies for punitive damages. An attorney will help you calculate the best amount for punitive damages as well.

Contact McDonald Worley for a Free Case Review Today!

The dangerous drug attorneys at McDonald Worley are well-versed in the field of personal injury law and can help you file a strong case against Zantac manufacturers for compensation.

Get in touch with McDonald Worley if you, a loved one, or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer linked to the use of Zantac. Our experienced attorneys will provide you with a free and no-obligation initial consultation to assess your case. Also, if you choose our lawyers to represent you in suing the manufacturers of Zantac, we won’t ask for upfront payments. We will take your Zantac lawsuit on a contingency basis.

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