Zantac was one of the most widely used medications in the country for many years. People who suffered from acid reflux and heartburn trusted Zantac to help relieve their symptoms. Unfortunately, thousands of Zantac users have developed cancer over the years, and many people living with cancer have filed product liability lawsuits against the makers of this drug.
If you used Zantac and have received a cancer diagnosis, read on to learn more about the ongoing litigation and whether you may be eligible to bring a Zantac lawsuit to recover your related losses.
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Zantac Lawsuit Table of Contents
- Zantac Lawsuit Table of Contents
- October 2024 Zantac Lawsuit Update
- Thousands Joined the Zantac MDL Lawsuit Alleging Failure to Warn and Cancer Links
- When Should I Seek Legal Assistance for Zantac-Related Cancer Claims?
- Do I Qualify to Bring a Zantac Lawsuit?
- How Experienced Attorneys Can Assist With Your Zantac Cancer Claim
- What Is Zantac?
- When Was Zantac First Linked to Cancer?
- What types of Zantac cancers have been identified?
- So What Is NDMA?
- How the FDA Has Responded to Zantac Cancer Concerns
- What are the Potential Risks of Long-Term NDMA Exposure?
- Zantac Cancer and Liability Claims
- Reach Out to the Experienced Product Liability Attorneys at Lawsuit Legal News to Learn More About Bringing a Zantac Lawsuit
October 2024 Zantac Lawsuit Update
With the first Zantac trial beginning this month, all eyes will be on California’s Russell v. Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. We’ll continue to keep you updated as the jury trial progresses.
Stay informed on the latest developments in the Zantac lawsuit as new evidence and court rulings continue to shape the ongoing litigation.
Bookmark this page to continue to get key updates from Lawsuit Legal News.
October 7, 2024 - Defendants Submit Their Delaware Appeal
Last week, the defendants submitted their brief to the Delaware Supreme Court. They stressed that the MDL judge had already made a decision on this matter. They also cautioned that Delaware might turn into a safe haven for mass tort claims if the lower court's ruling stands.
Their main point is that the plaintiffs' experts couldn't specify an exact dose of ranitidine or NDMA that leads to cancer risk. They also found fault with the use of studies not linked to how people take ranitidine such as NDMA exposure from food or industry. The Delaware trial court saw these issues but brushed them off. It cited Delaware's more relaxed rules for expert testimony and hinted that the MDL judge didn't grasp the science at first.
Plaintiffs claim the MDL's demand for an exact threshold dose creates an unfair obstacle. They argue this requirement throws out their cases by asking for a specific cancer risk number that science hasn't pinned down. They think this strict rule goes against Delaware's method, which looks at wider scientific proof and recognizes how tricky real-world chemical exposure can be.
September 30, 2024 - First Zantac Case in California Goes to Court
Defendants have settled nearly every Zantac lawsuit so far in California. But now, the first Zantac trial in California has kicked off with jury selection today, September 30, 2024; opening statements are expected to begin on October 7. Both plaintiffs and defendants will be watching this case closely since it could reveal a lot about any future Zantac lawsuits to come nationwide. So far, GSK has settled all of their cases, leaving just Boehringer as the last defendant standing. Maybe, they have a trick on their sleeve; maybe they are just misguided, and maybe they are just standing up for themselves in what they believe is a case in which they did nothing wrong. Whatever the reason, we will be watching this one closely.
September 2, 2024 - Delaware Supreme Court Decision Will Have Profound Impact on the Future Zantac Litigation
We still believe there is sound science behind the Zantac cancer risk. However, if the defendant manufacturers are successful in their appeal, this could effectively end Zantac litigation in Delaware. Further, if the Delaware Supreme Court opts to exclude plaintiffs experts, the likelihood of a Zantac settlement in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut will become remote.
Zantac attorneys are anxiously awaiting the Supreme Court's decision, which will likely control the fate of all Zantac cases. If the defendant manufacturers are successful, lawsuits in other states will likely meet a similar outcome, and this will preclude the defendants from making any settlement overtures.
August 28, 2024 - Delaware Supreme Court Takes Up Zantac Appeal
The Delaware Supreme Court has agreed to hear an interlocutory appeal in the Zantac lawsuits involving nearly 75,000 plaintiffs who claim Zantac caused them to develop cancers. GSK, Pfizer and Sanofi, have filed this appeal asking the Delaware Supreme Court to overturn a Superior Court's order that allowed plaintiffs to proffer expert testimony that long term use of Zantac can cause cancer.
The appeal follows the Superior Court's decision allowing the plaintiffs' expert testimony on causation to proceed despite the defendants' objections. While the appeal is not ideal for plaintiffs, it's significant that the litigation can continue while the Supreme Court deliberates.
August 23, 2024 - Zantac Litigation Moves Forward in Connecticut
Unlike Florida, Connecticut is emerging as a new battleground for Zantac litigation.
A state court judge has denied motions to dismiss from the major pharmaceutical companies, which will allow the Zantac cancer lawsuits to proceed. The defendants argued the court lacked jurisdiction, but the judge ruled otherwise, mainly because the companies conduct business in the state and they're registered to operate there.
August 20, 2024 - Zantac Experts Rejected in Florida
Florida appears to be a challenging venue for the Zantac lawsuits. A Florida judge has dismissed the expert witnesses for the plaintiff in a prostate cancer case linked to Zantac.
GSK succeeded in a Daubert hearing wherein a Florida state court Judge rejected the plaintiff's general and specific causation experts linking long-term use of ranitidine to prostate cancer.
Daubert is a standard by which a federal court will determine whether expert testimony is admissible in accordance with specific criteria. The criteria include whether the science is whether the scientific premise is accepted in the scientific community, whether the methodology employed in the expert's testing has been subject to peer review, and whether the expert's methods are reliable and were reliably applied to the testing.
Thankfully, Zantac litigation can continue in 49 other states.
We believe the science is much stronger in linking Zantac use to bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer than perhaps it is with other cancers.
August 19, 2024 - Third Zantac Lawsuit Trial Ends in a Hung Jury
A Cook County jury could not come to an agreement and the case of Martin Goss ended in a mistrial. Martin alleged prolonged use of Zantac caused his prostate cancer. The plaintiffs' Zantac lawyer stated he would try this lawsuit again. We believe the plaintiff's prostate cancer was caused by Zantac use, and this will be proven in the subsequent trial.
We have not drawn any conclusions on Zantac cancer claims based on the last two trials. We felt the science connecting colorectal cancer to be weak, and the link between Zantac and prostate cancer is extremely strong and will be ferreted out in future trials.
August 7, 2024 - Zantac Lawsuit Goes Down in Flames in Illinois Trial
A Cook County jury (Illinois State Court) determined that Carrie Joiner could not pin liability for her colorectal cancer against GSK. Boehringer Ingelheim settled their claim prior to trial. This is the second Zantac lawsuit trial in a row to end in a defense verdict.
We believe the science linking Zantac to colorectal cancer is weak at best, and we still feel confident in prostate cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancer claims. We believe any Zantac cancer lawsuit is highly dependent on the science, and ultimately, the above-referenced defendants are going to settle only the strongest claims and remain highly skeptical of the others.
Zantac lawyers remain highly confident in lawsuits pending in Delaware and Pennsylvania as well. A number of upcoming trials concerning prostate, liver, and bladder cancer will determine the fate of this lawsuit.
There are 70,000 Zantac cases pending in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
July 24, 2024 - Third Illinois Zantac Lawsuit Trial Underway
The third Zantac trial is now underway in Chicago (Cook County), wherein the plaintiff developed prostate cancer after taking Zantac OTC for years to treat his heartburn. Plaintiff Martin Goss alleges Boehringer Ingelheim (defendant manufacturer) ignored internal studies and observations that ranitidine was breaking down and degrading into a dangerous carcinogenic chemical known as NDMA.
Another Zantac trial that started last week is presently underway five floors down. The outcome of these two trials could determine the fate of thousands of cases pending in Illinois, along with over 70,000 Zantac claims pending in Delaware. We are now two years removed from a federal judge in Florida dismissing the Zantac multidistrict
July 18, 2024 - Second Zantac Cancer Lawsuit Trial Begins in Chicago
Another Zantac trial begins in Cook County. GlaxoSmithKline and Boehringer Ingelheim are defending the second Zantac cancer lawsuit to proceed to trial. Plaintiff Carrie Joiner claims to have unwittingly used a heartburn drug contaminated with a human carcinogen for 15 years prior to being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2021.
Zantac lawyers for Carrier Joiner allege that her physician was unaware of the dangers ranitidine (the active ingredient in Zantac) posed to humans and that GSK failed to perform any testing for NDMA in over forty years. The first Zantac trial ended in a defense verdict. Zantac attorneys remain confident in proving up bladder cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer claims going forward.
Attorneys for the defendant manufacturers allege that plaintiff's colorectal cancer is not causally related to long term Zantac use and point to a bevy of epidemiological studies that provided conflicting findings.
July 15, 2024 - July Update on Zantac Lawsuits Moving to State Courts and New Settlements
A significant development in the Zantac MDL occurred in June 2024, when a Delaware state court judge ruled that Zantac lawsuits could proceed to jury trials.
As a result of this court ruling in Delaware, the focus of Zantac litigation is gradually shifting from the federal MDL to state courts. And with California also moving forward with state cases, Delaware and California are expected to become focal points for ongoing Zantac lawsuits.
Sanofi and Pfizer Settlement
A major pharmaceutical company involved in the Zantac litigation, Pfizer, has reached a settlement agreement that encompasses over 10,000 lawsuits from the allegations of cancer risks linked to Zantac use.
In a separate development, Sanofi, one of the manufacturers of Zantac, also reached a settlement agreement to resolve approximately 4,000 lawsuits outside of Delaware on behalf of Zantac plaintiffs.
These settlements signify a substantial step forward in the resolution of the legal claims against the pharmaceutical companies.
These decisions marked a crucial turning point for the federal cases. Due to the aforementioned settlements and other factors, the number of active cases within the Zantac MDL has experienced a significant decline. The number of cases has dropped from over 14,000 in June to around 2,400 in July 2024.
We anticipate more Zantac settlements as litigation continues to progress in Delaware, Pennsylvania and Illinois.
June 3, 2024 - Delaware Court Allows Zantac Lawsuits to Proceed to Jury Trials
Delaware's Superior Court Judge Vivian Medinilla issued a new ruling that breathes new life into nationwide Zantac lawsuits. The judge ruled that the evidence provided by plaintiffs who allege they developed various forms of cancer after using Zantac is credible and sufficient to allow their personal injury cases to proceed to trial. This means approximately 75,000 cases will have their day in court against the heartburn medication manufacturers, including GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Boehringer Ingelheim, if they are not settled first.
Although the drug manufacturers will likely appeal the decision, this ruling is a tremendous victory for thousands of Zantac users who thought their chances to receive compensation were lost after the federal Multi-district Litigation was dismissed in March.
March 29, 2024 - Federal Court Decision Pushes Cases to State Courts
The federal court's decision on the Zantac lawsuit marked a major turning point in the litigation. Really, it ended it. The judge overseeing the case, Judge Rosenberg, ruled in favor of the defendants and, with that ruling, brought the federal aspect of the lawsuit to a close. This decision sparked discussions and analyses among lawyers and legal analysts over emails, phone, social media, and definitely in person. The ruling was quite a shock since the science seemed sound, and it looked like the Zantac manufacturers would be held responsible.
Here is what you need to know about that crucial decision and how it has impacted the Zantac lawsuit and the people who allege the drug injured them.
Reexamination of the Evidence Kills Federal Zantac Lawsuit
At the heart of Judge Rosenberg's ruling was their examination of the evidence presented by the plaintiffs. The judge concluded that the methodologies used by the plaintiffs' expert epidemiologists weren't reliable.
The judge's decision was largely made up by the plaintiffs' selective use of different studies and data that only supported their case and left out science that contradicted their case. More or less, they "cherry-picked" the evidence, and the judge found that they did it in a way that was beyond acceptable.
In fact, the cherry-picking of the Zantac evidence has raised concerns about evidence standards in health-related litigation that may affect other cases.
Overall, the Zantac lawsuit was an extremely complicated legal matter. The ruling put a spotlight on how legal standards are handled in procedures like the Daubert hearing, which plays a crucial role in determining which scientific evidence will be allowed at trial. And since the standards of a Daubert hearing differ from state to state, the federal lawsuit outcome showed how these nuances can greatly impact litigation of large pharmaceuticals and health-related lawsuits as state-based cases all come together into one federal case.
Although the federal court has made its decision, the legal battle still has some hope in the state courts. Each state has its own laws and legal standards, meaning that cases in state courts could get different results. The Zantac class action lawsuit will not proceed in state court.
This independence has caused there to be coordinated litigation efforts which basically amount to "mini-Multi-District Litigations" (MDLs) in states like California, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Update on California Zantac Mini MDL
California appears to be moving forward with state-based Zantac lawsuits. The dismissal of the federal class action lawsuits has led more plaintiffs to pursue claims in state courts. With Zantac's manufacturers agreeing to several confidential settlements recently, it seems the defendants are willing to settle to avoid trials. Hopefully, this is a sign that the defendants want to just close out these state cases now that they have dodged the proverbial 'federal bullet'. Both parties and the court in California are finalizing the trial dates for the next round of Zantac trials.
Update on Delaware Zantac Mini MDL
Delaware's state-based Zantac lawsuits have recently gone through a Daubert hearing. This hearing will determine whether the scientific evidence and expert testimony will be accepted by Judge Medinilla So far, no ruling has been issued yet. Obviously the outcome will be important for how the lawsuits in Delaware will play out.
Update on Pennsylvania Zantac Mini MDL
There isn't really any new information on the status of Pennsylvania's state-based Zantac lawsuits. We are waiting to hear more.
Continue to follow Lawsuit Legal News to stay informed about legal proceedings of the Zantac lawsuits. For now, it looks like whatever Zantac cases will survive will be in state court and there is a slim chance that the federal MDL will be appealed. As information becomes available, we will continue to provide timely updates and insights into the Zantac lawsuits.
Thousands Joined the Zantac MDL Lawsuit Alleging Failure to Warn and Cancer Links
Over 2,000 individuals joined a multi-district litigation (MDL) lawsuit in the United States Federal Court system against the manufacturer of Zantac. This widely used medication contained ranitidine, an antihistamine, and an antacid used to treat heartburn.
The Status of Zantac Cancer Lawsuits
The plaintiffs claim that the makers of Zantac misled millions of consumers into "purchasing and ingesting a defective, misbranded, adulterated and harmful drug" while neglecting to disclose that the drug contained a probable human carcinogen called N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA.
The initial Zantac lawsuit was filed after statements and actions by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which tested the product for the presence of NDMA. Sanofi finally voluntarily recalled the drug in the U.S. and Canada.
Regrettably, the federal MDL was dismissed a few months ago. Since then, injured Zantac users have now filed state-level lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and California.
When Should I Seek Legal Assistance for Zantac-Related Cancer Claims?
If you were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac between 1983 and 2020, it is essential to consult with experienced Zantac lawsuit attorneys as soon as possible. If you developed bladder cancer or stomach cancer, your claim is especially strong. A dedicated dangerous drug attorney can explain how to file a claim and request damages for the financial losses and life impacts you have suffered after taking Zantac.
Do I Qualify to Bring a Zantac Lawsuit?
An experienced product liability lawyer associated with Lawsuit Legal News can help determine whether you qualify for a Zantac lawsuit during a free consultation.
The general criteria include:
- You regularly used Zantac or another generic drug containing ranitidine daily for at least three months.
- You've been diagnosed with cancer in one of the areas associated with Zantac use, such as your digestive tract or in your blood.
- There was a latency period between starting Zantac use and your cancer diagnosis of at least one year. The specific timeframe required depends on your type of cancer diagnosis.
Contact the dedicated legal team at Lawsuit Legal News
How Experienced Attorneys Can Assist With Your Zantac Cancer Claim
The skilled attorneys affiliated with Lawsuit Legal News have extensive experience in Zantac lawsuits and are working with affected individuals throughout the United States. These attorneys have a strong national network of leading lawyers across the country who provide the best service for injured clients. They also offer local counsel services for out-of-state clients.
Zantac cancer lawsuits are not the only dangerous product cases these attorneys handle. The team is also pursuing other product liability claims against defective medications and products, including:
These dedicated lawyers are also targeting sex trafficking and sexual abuse claims nationwide.
Other dangerous product cases the Lawsuit Legal News attorneys have pursued include:
Elmiron
This prescription medication, used to treat bladder pain, has been linked to eye and vision problems, including:
- Difficulty reading
- Dark spots appearing in the sufferer's vision
- The inability to adjust quickly to less light
- Blurred vision
The experienced LLN attorneys have investigated hundreds of Elmiron claims.
Mesothelioma
The attorneys associated with LLN have also been active in mesothelioma cases. Mesothelioma is a rare but highly aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease is not curable, and those who receive this diagnosis generally have a life expectancy of about 12 months.
LLN legal professionals have:
- Thoroughly investigated many claims
- Assisted clients suffering medical issues or their family members in gathering important evidence
- Relied on their network of experts to assist with the testimony necessary to prove claims related to this illness
- Filed lawsuits on behalf of their asbestos-exposed clients
- Assisted clients with workers' compensation claims
What Is Zantac?
Ranitidine hydrochloride, more commonly known as Zantac, was invented by Glaxo Holdings, Ltd, and received its first FDA approval in 1983 for short-term use in treating a common form of ulcers. When the FDA approved Zantac, it was already reviewed and approved in 31 other countries. Within five years, Zantac became the best-selling drug in the world and one of the first to ever generate more than $1 billion in annual sales.
Zantac belongs to a category of drugs called H2 blockers. These medications were created to reduce the amount of stomach acid. Zantac's prescription-only version was meant to treat:
- Stomach and intestinal ulcers and stop new ulcers from forming
- Erosive esophagitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- A digestive disorder called Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome which causes pancreatic and small intestine tumors
For those who didn't need a prescription-strength formula, the maker created a milder version of Zantac that was available over-the-counter to treat heartburn and other issues caused by acid indigestion.
Zantac Usage Instructions and Side Effects
The labeled instructions for Zantac noted that the user should take the medication orally and either with food or without. Recommended usage was once or twice a day, though some individuals were prescribed to take it up to four times a day. The most common side effects of Zantac mentioned were headaches, constipation, or diarrhea.
However, patients were warned to seek medical attention immediately for more serious side effects, such as:
- Blurred vision
- Mental or mood changes, such as agitation, confusion, depression, or hallucinations
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Enlarged breasts
- Severe tiredness
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Signs of infection, such as a sore throat, fever, or chills
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- The yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice
When Was Zantac First Linked to Cancer?
Although the medications containing ranitidine hydrochloride were extremely successful and popular, researchers found problems nearly immediately. In 1983, two Italian studies linked ranitidine to NDMA. The studies also found that Zantac contains dimethylamine (DMA), and when that is combined with nitrosamines, nitrites, and nitrates in common foods like grilled meats, it creates NDMA, which can cause damage to the cellular DNA of the cells in the human gastric system.
This damage could mutate DNA strands and create cancer cells in certain cases. As a result of these findings, investigators recommended that Zantac be taken without food, and the user could take Vitamin C, to help prevent cancer creation.
Apparently, the drug manufacturers ignored these warnings.
When Glaxo's ranitidine patent expired in 1997, other drug manufacturers rushed to join the success party by producing generic versions. In 2004, Zantac was approved for over-the-counter use. Sanofi became the manufacturer of Zantac in 2017, and the drug was widely available along with all the generic forms.
The FDA finally paid attention to the concern about NDMA levels in Zantac recently, as it investigated the effect of NDMA in other medicines, including blood pressure and heart failure medications. Eventually, the FDA officials recommended voluntary drug recalls, including other medicines containing NDMAs, such as Zantac. Experts now believe NDMA is likely a human carcinogen.
What types of Zantac cancers have been identified?
Several types of cancers have been linked to ranitidine ingestion, including cancers of the:
- Liver
- Esophagus
- Throat
- Stomach
- Bladder
- Kidney
- Breast
- Uterus
- Ovaries
- Testicles
- Prostate
- Thyroid
- Small Intestine
- Colon
- Rectum
Blood cancers such as leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may also be associated with the use of ranitidine-containing products.
So What Is NDMA?
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a yellow liquid with no odor. It was originally created to be rocket fuel, but that ended after regulators discovered that this dangerous substance was contaminating the soil, air, and water near the rocket manufacturing plant. Currently, NDMA is only used for research purposes in the U.S.
Regardless of the regulations controlling the use of the substance, we've learned that NDMA can be inadvertently made when certain chemicals react during some industrial processes. Also, small amounts of NDMA can be found in food and other products consumed by humans. This is the primary way most people are exposed to the substance.
Food and other products that commonly contain NDMA include:
- Tobacco, including smoking and chewing tobacco
- Cured meats, including bacon
- Beer
- Fish
- Cheeses
- Bathroom and cosmetic products such as shampoos and cleansers
- Vehicle interior air
- Household goods, including cleaning supplies and pesticides
- Baby bottles and pacifiers made from rubber
- Human breast milk
- Municipal water supplies
We now know that NDMA can be formed in the human stomach during digestion, especially in foods containing alkylamines, which are naturally occurring compounds in various foods and drugs. NDMA can also enter the body through breathing air containing the substance, though NDMA usually dissipates quickly when airborn.
Experiments have indicated that after animals have ingested NDMA, it quickly enters the bloodstream and several body organs. When the substance finally reaches the liver, it becomes other substances that can leave the body within a day, usually through exhalation and normal elimination processes.
The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), classifies NDMA as "extremely hazardous." Under this Act, stringent reporting requirements apply to people and companies that produce, store, or use NDMA in large amounts because it is a probable human carcinogen. Medical experts also worry about how NDMA contamination can affect the human body.
How the FDA Has Responded to Zantac Cancer Concerns
The FDA finally addressed Zantac concerns during the fourth quarter of 2019. Here's a summary of the FDA statements and corresponding actions:
September 13, 2019: The FDA announced that laboratory tests revealed low levels of NDMA in products containing ranitidine. The agency began evaluating whether low levels of NDMA in ranitidine posed a risk to patients who used medications containing this substance. The FDA did not recommend patients using ranitidine stop taking their medication. It did urge those patients to talk with their medical provider about alternative treatment options and report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch website.
September 24, 2019: The FDA announced a voluntary recall of 14 lots of generic prescription ranitidine capsules because NDMA was found in the drug. The agency stated that not all ranitidine-containing products had been recalled, and the FDA continued its investigation of ranitidine. Also, companies and regulators must follow a new testing protocol to detect the NDMA levels in ranitidine products.
September 26, 2019: Just two days later, the FDA announced the voluntary recall of over-the-counter ranitidine products produced by Apotex Corp and labeled by Walmart, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.
October 23, 2019: Almost a month later, the FDA announced more voluntary recalls, including Sanofi's over-the-counter drug Zantac and ranitidine products sold by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, LTD.
October 28, 2019: More recalls of ranitidine products were announced, including products from Perrigo Company, Novitium Pharma LLC, and Lannett Company.
November 1, 2019: The FDA disclosed laboratory results from testing multiple ranitidine-containing products. The lab results showed NDMA levels similar to those commonly found in foods such as grilled meats. Although the NDMA levels were lower than in earlier studies, they were still higher than acceptable by agency standards. The agency's patient instructions did not change.
November 8, 2019: The FDA announced another recall, this time related to Aurobindo Pharma USA. The FDA advised all ranitidine product manufacturers to also recall their products and perform their own laboratory tests following the agency's testing protocol to ensure that the levels of the NDMA were not unacceptably high.
November 12, 2019: Two more voluntary recalls were announced. The new targets were products manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals and American Health Packaging.
November 22, 2019: Even more voluntary recalls affected products manufactured by Golden State Medical Supply and Precision Dose Inc.
December 4, 2019: An FDA statement urged manufacturers to continue testing their ranitidine-containing products for unacceptable levels of NDMA. Products containing more than 96 nanograms per daily dose or 0.32 parts per million of the substance are considered unacceptable.
December 2019 to February 2020: Several companies voluntarily recalled their products because they contained more than the acceptable amount of NDMA.
April 1, 2020: The FDA ordered all ranitidine-containing over-the-counter products to be removed from the market immediately. Through further testing, the agency found the level of NDMA in these products increased over time when the product was stored at higher than room temperature. The tests also suggested NDMA could increase when the product is stored for longer periods of time, even at room temperature. Finally, the FDA announced no new over-the-counter or prescription products containing ranitidine would be available for medical use.
Many products containing nizatidine were also recalled because they contained unacceptable levels of NDMA. Similar to ranitidine, nizatidine was a drug used to treat stomach ulcers and was also approved to treat occasional heartburn and acid indigestion.
So far, the FDA has not detected unacceptable levels of NDMA in other medications used to treat the same conditions, such as:
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
The FDA was also concerned about the potential harm animals may suffer if given products containing ranitidine. The agency urged companies that manufacture animal drugs to also test their products.
What are the Potential Risks of Long-Term NDMA Exposure?
According to the FDA, humans exposed to higher levels of NDMA over a long period of time face a risk of harm. However, people with NDMA levels at or below the acceptable daily intake for a long time would not experience a higher risk of developing cancer.
Despite the Italian tests indicating high levels of NDMA in ranitidine in the 1980s, the FDA claims it does not know how long Zantac has contained high impurity levels. The agency assures it is constantly evaluating already-approved medications to learn more about the safety of those products over time.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and have used ranitidine drugs such as Zantac, the team of knowledgeable attorneys that supports Lawsuit Legal News can answer your questions and provide more information about your legal options.
Zantac Cancer and Liability Claims
Under product liability laws, injured individuals can bring a claim against a negligent company to recover legal damages. A successful claim must show how the company designed, manufactured, or marketed the product in a way that caused others harm.
To bring a Zantac lawsuit, you would need to show that the drug was designed in a way that harmed users and that the manufacturers knew or should have known of the increased risk of cancer caused by the excessive amounts of NDMA in the medication.
Another possible legal theory involves a design defect claim alleging the drug was not created to minimize foreseeable risks to users. Also, you might be able to bring a marketing defect claim, which usually involves a failure to warn of known dangers. For example, if the manufacturer knew NDMA was likely to increase users' cancer risk but did not warn them, it may face liability for resulting injuries.
You may also have the grounds to bring a negligence claim, depending on your situation. In a negligence claim, you must prove that the manufacturer acted negligently or failed to act reasonably under the circumstances and that those actions or inactions harmed you.
For example, if a manufacturer knew NDMA was in its drug but failed to perform adequate studies to determine if users would suffer any adverse side effects, these actions could constitute negligence.
If you and your lawyer can establish the manufacturer's liability, bringing a Zantac lawsuit can help you collect compensation to cover your losses. The LLN team understands that financial compensation will not take away your cancer. However, it will help you receive the best medical care possible while allowing you to focus on your health and recovery instead of worrying about how you will pay for the medical treatment you need.
Reach Out to the Experienced Product Liability Attorneys at Lawsuit Legal News to Learn More About Bringing a Zantac Lawsuit
After you and your doctor have determined the best path for your medical treatment, speaking with the experienced Zantac lawsuit attorneys at LLN is essential. They aim to work hard to protect your best interests every step of the way.
You deserve to work with skilled lawyers who have prior experience challenging big drug companies and showing how their negligent actions harm victims like you. By taking action and filing a state Zantac lawsuit against the drug company, you can begin the process that will help you recover damages for your injuries.
Don't hesitate to seek legal guidance from the Lawsuit Legal News team if you have been diagnosed with cancer after using ranitidine drugs or Zantac. Our experienced attorneys can provide more information about your legal options and help you navigate the complex process of holding drug manufacturers accountable for their negligence. Contact us today.