The last thing you expect when taking a medication is for that medicine to make you ill. But sadly, a number of pharmaceutical companies have recently found impurities in a range of drugs, including ranitidine. Ranitidine is a prescription and OTC (over the counter) drug used to treat stomach ulcers and heartburn by reducing stomach acid production in the body. It’s sold under a number of brand names, including Zantac, and has been prescribed to over 16 million Americans.
The FDA, as well as similar bodies in other countries around the globe, has issued a recall of Zantac and other ranitidine medications. This is due to concerns that they may have been contaminated with a substance called NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). NDMA has been identified as a risk factor in the development of some particular forms of cancer, meaning it is recognized as a probable carcinogen, with the World Health Organization (WHO) even stating that there is “conclusive evidence that NDMA is a potent carcinogen”.
Exposure to NDMA has been linked to a range of different cancers, including but not limited to:
- Liver cancer
- Lung cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Although the levels of NDMA found in certain ranitidine medications is low, there is evidence to indicate that this kind of exposure over a long period of time may result in effects building up. Ranitidine may itself be unstable, encouraging NDMA to form as the product is stored, particularly if it is stored above room temperature. This means that Zantac users could be at greater risk than initially thought. What’s more, there are currently investigations ongoing to establish whether certain producers knew that their products were contaminated with NDMA and failed to declare this information. If this is found to be true, these pharmaceutical companies may be accused of false claims or false advertising, unfair practices and even public nuisance as well as negligence.
If you use or have used Zantac and have developed one of the cancers linked to NDMA, you may be able to file a lawsuit to cover your medical and other expenses, including loss of earnings as well as pain and suffering. Here at Scranton Law, we’re no strangers to mass tort lawsuits and would be happy to take on your case. We know how stressful it can be having to deal with legal matters alongside illness or injury, so we do our best to fight your corner reliably and efficiently. This means you can focus on recovering and taking it easy. Contact us today to discuss your case.
