Lawsuits for Zantac Causing Cancer

Zantac is a widely used heartburn medication that has been found to contain NDMA, a substance closely linked to cancer. Because this carcinogen may be present in the drug, taking Zantac can pose a serious health risk to everyday patients, especially when it becomes contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). If you or someone you love has been taking Zantac for an extended period and has recently been diagnosed with cancer or other related health problems, you may have the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm caused.

At Youngstown Criminal Law Group, we have stood beside many patients who now face serious complications after regularly using Zantac. If you are searching for an experienced attorney to handle your case, reach out to our team today.

Important Facts About the Zantac Lawsuit

Zantac (ranitidine) is a common heartburn medication available both by prescription and over the counter. On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it had detected NDMA, a carcinogenic contaminant, in Zantac.

By April 2020, the FDA had issued a formal recall of the drug. The agency stated that this medication, used by millions of Americans to treat heartburn and sold both over the counter and by prescription, should be removed from the market immediately because of possible contamination with NDMA, a substance strongly tied to cancer. If you have questions about your legal options, a knowledgeable Warren OVI attorney from our team can walk you through the process.

The very first Zantac lawsuit was filed in California in 2019. The plaintiff brought the claim against drug manufacturers Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, alleging that these companies manufactured, distributed, marketed, and sold the product even though they were aware it might be tainted with an industrial chemical capable of causing cancer.

Investigators are still working to determine exactly how the contamination occurred. Yet throughout this ongoing investigation, Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi continued to produce and promote Zantac without disclosing the connection between the drug and NDMA. Numerous scientific studies suggest that when ranitidine, the active ingredient in Zantac, comes into contact with water, a chemical reaction takes place that produces NDMA.

Despite being aware of this danger, the companies allegedly kept both regulators and consumers entirely in the dark while continuing to market the medication. This is the foundation on which these lawsuits rest. If you wish to pursue a Zantac claim, an experienced Warren criminal lawyer at our team is ready to help.

Injuries and Side Effects Linked to Zantac and NDMA

As a carcinogen, NDMA has the potential to cause cancer. Beyond that, it is also a powerful hepatotoxin, meaning it can damage your liver, kidneys, and lungs through both short-term and long-term exposure.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to NDMA, warning signs may include fever, headaches, nausea, jaundice, abdominal cramps, vomiting, an enlarged liver, reduced function of the liver, lungs, and kidneys, dizziness, and similar symptoms. For guidance on holding manufacturers accountable, a dedicated Warren OVI attorney can review the details of your situation.

The side effects most often associated with Zantac include:

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

What Is NDMA?

NDMA is typically used as an industrial lubricant or as fuel for rockets and aviation. It also has another notable application: scientists use it to induce cancer in laboratory rats for research purposes. The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 classifies NDMA as extremely hazardous. If this contaminant has harmed you, a trusted Warren criminal lawyer can explain how the law applies to your case.

Damages You Can Recover Through a Zantac Lawsuit

When you come to Youngstown Criminal Law Group and consult with our team, we can pursue the following types of damage claims on your behalf:

• Past and future costs for medication and treatment stemming from your injuries
• Past and future pain, suffering, and the difficult recovery process
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages

Visit Youngstown Criminal Law Group in Trumbull County and discuss your case with a skilled Warren OVI attorney so you can pursue the justice you rightfully deserve. Contact us today at (330) 791-8104 to get started.