Zantac (ranitdine) is a common medication taken by millions of Americans for heartburn, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, GERD, and stomach acid. It was available both prescription and over-the-counter versions.
FDA Recall
On April 1, 2020, the FDA ordered that the popular heartburn drug be pulled from the market immediately. The recall was the result of an ongoing investigation into Zantac in which the FDA had found the medication contained a cancer-causing chemical NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine).
NDMA is a toxic chemical that, among other things, is used in research to develop tumors in lab animals. It is the same chemical that led to a widespread recall of blood-pressure-lowering drugs valsartan and losartan.
Lab results conducted on Zantac showed the drug had levels of NDMA between 3,000 and 26,000 times higher than levels the FDA has determined to be safe. It appears that the drug ranitidine (Zantac) is unstable and capable of producing alarming levels of NDMA when exposed to certain temperatures or when it interacts with nitrates after it is ingested. The FDA also found that testing showed the older a ranitidine product is, or the longer the length of time since it was manufactured, the greater the level of NDMA.
Cancer
The FDA, EPA, and the WHO (World Health Organization) all classify NDMA as a carcinogen (cancer causing chemical). Cancers that have been associated with NDMA include:
- Bladder Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Intestinal Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Uterine Cancer
- Bowel Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Cancers in Children due to Ingestion During Pregnancy
Cancer
Charles Boyk Law is investigating Zantac-related cancer and potential harm that may have come from taking Zantac. Pursuing a Zantac cancer lawsuit may help victims recover damages for:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or permanent injury
- Punitive damages
- Wrongful death
If you or a loved one developed or were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac, you may be eligible for compensation and should contact our team for a completely free and confidential consultation.
