What You Need to Know About Zantac
Zantac is a drug that may be purchased with a prescription or over-the-counter. It is primarily used to treat heartburn.
However, the manufacturer of Zantac has recently been involved in lawsuits where people were injured due to this dangerous drug. It has the potential to cause severe health conditions that result in life-long consequences and damages.
Carcinogenic Chemicals in Zantac
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has requested a recall on products that include chemicals like ranitidine and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). That includes antacids like Zantac. When stored at warmer than room temperature, these products can have unacceptable levels of NDMA in them.
Ranitidine and NDMA have been known to cause cancer in lab animals. Specifically, they may be linked to bladder cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Zantac or another antacid, you should reach out to a Zantac cancer lawyer. We will review your medical records and consult with experts to determine the cause of your condition.
Zantac and Liver Failure
Toxic amounts of NDMA can also cause liver disease and ultimately liver failure. The likelihood of developing liver disease after taking Zantac is unknown. However, the FDA has determined that Zantac products contain a much higher limit than is recommended for humans.
The liver is one of the primary organs in the body that processes harmful toxins. The FDA-recommended daily limit for NDMA is 96 nanograms. Zantac contains as much as 3,000 to 31,000 times that amount, with over 3,000,000 ng per tablet.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), levels of NDMA this high can result in liver disease, enlarged liver, reduced liver function, and liver cancer.
Zantac Contamination
Drugs must be manufactured with a precise mixture of chemicals. If there is any contamination with foreign materials, they can cause serious health conditions.
Contaminations can involve physical pieces of equipment that made the drug, like metal or glass pieces. Or, contamination may happen when unrelated chemicals are mixed into the drug development process.
Other Defective Heartburn Drugs
Like Zantac, other acid-reducing drugs, such as those below, might cause cancer, liver damage, and other health conditions:
- Prilosec (omeprazole)
- Dexilant (dexlansoprazole)
- Tagamet (cimetidine)
- Pepto-Bismol
- Protonix (pantoprazole)
- Prevacid (lansoprazole)
Zantac Lawsuit Compensation
If Zantac or another acid-reducing drug injured you, you might be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover damages for your losses. Whether through a verdict or settlement, you may be entitled to your:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium (spousal relationship)
- Disability
- Disfigurement
An attorney at a Zantac law firm can help you determine what damages you are eligible for. Don’t let the insurance companies or manufacturers take advantage of you. Atlee Hall will make sure you get what you deserve.
Contact a Zantac Attorney for Help
If you developed cancer, a liver condition, or other disorders as a result of taking Zantac or another acid-reduction drug, then you should contact an attorney right away. The drug manufacturer will fight back. Their goal will be to pay you as little as possible.
Call Atlee Hall today at (717) 393-9596 or use our online contact form to reach out for a free consultation.
