Lawsuits for Zantac Causing Cancer

Zantac, a widely-used heartburn medication, has been found to contain evidence of NDMA, a substance strongly linked to cancer. The presence of this carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), makes Zantac potentially risky for any user. If you or a family member have used Zantac over a long period and have since been diagnosed with cancer or other health complications, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to claim damages. At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we have supported many patients now dealing with severe health issues from regular Zantac use. If you are seeking an experienced criminal lawyer, contact us for guidance.

What to Know About the Zantac Lawsuit

Zantac, known generically as ranitidine, is a popular heartburn remedy available both over-the-counter and by prescription. On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its discovery of the carcinogen contaminant NDMA in Zantac. In April 2020, the FDA followed up with an announcement requesting an immediate market recall of Zantac. The agency stated that this medicine, used by millions of Americans for heartburn, should be pulled from shelves due to potential contamination with NDMA, which is closely associated with cancer.

The first Zantac lawsuit was filed in California in 2019. The plaintiff brought the lawsuit against drug manufacturers Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, alleging they manufactured, marketed, distributed, and sold the product despite knowing it could be contaminated with a cancer-causing industrial chemical. If you believe you have a case, a qualified New Castle criminal lawyer can help you navigate the legal process.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the contamination. However, throughout this period, Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi continued to manufacture and market Zantac without disclosing information about the link between ranitidine and NDMA. Several scientific studies suggest that when ranitidine comes into contact with water, it can trigger a chemical reaction that forms NDMA.

Despite this knowledge, the companies allegedly kept both the government and consumers uninformed while promoting the medication. This failure to disclose is the primary basis for the lawsuits. If you wish to file a claim, our legal team of New Castle DUI lawyers can provide assistance.

Injuries and Side Effects From Zantac and NDMA

As a carcinogen, NDMA is known to cause cancer. It is also a powerful hepatotoxin that can damage your liver, kidneys, and lungs with both short-term and long-term exposure. If you or a loved one has been exposed to NDMA, you might experience symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea, jaundice, abdominal cramps, vomiting, an enlarged liver, or reduced organ function.

The side effects closely linked to Zantac use include:

• Arrhythmia or tachycardia (irregular or fast heartbeat)
• Disorders of the nervous system
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Jaundice, hepatitis, or liver failure
• Pneumonia
• Low platelet counts in the blood
• Skin rashes and hair loss

A skilled New Castle DUI lawyer can offer insight into complex legal claims.

What Is NDMA?

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is primarily an industrial substance used in lubricants and as fuel for rockets and aviation. It is also used in laboratory settings to induce cancer in rats for research purposes. The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 classifies NDMA as an extremely hazardous substance.

Damages From a Zantac Lawsuit

If you partner with Youngstown Criminal Law Group and our legal team in Ohio, we can help you pursue claims for the following damages:

• Past and future medical expenses for treatment and medication
• Compensation for past and future pain, suffering, and the difficult recovery process
• Lost wages from time off work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Diminished enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages

Come to Youngstown Criminal Law Group at (330) 992-3036 and discuss your case with a New Castle criminal lawyer to seek the justice you deserve.