If you used Zantac and later developed cancer, you may be able to sue the manufacturer of the heartburn medication for damages. According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, as of February 2020, 141 people have filed lawsuits in federal court against Zantac manufacturers. They allege that long-term use of the drug caused them to develop cancer.
If you are also a Zantac user, were recently diagnosed with cancer, and are within your state’s statute of limitations, you can sue Zantac. You may want to consider discussing your options with an attorney handling these cases as soon as possible.
Understanding the Zantac Cancer Lawsuit
The Zantac lawsuits began even before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested a recall of the popular over-the-counter and prescription heartburn medicine. While some brands of ranitidine medications were pulled from the shelves in late 2019, the FDA took the next step in Spring 2020 after an independent study found that Zantac and other ranitidine products might contain high levels of a known carcinogen, N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
This contaminant builds over time when the medication is stored in warm conditions.
A Free Case Evaluation Can Explain Your Options
You may want to discuss your options with an attorney. You do not want to navigate this process on your own, especially while fighting cancer.
You can sue Zantac if you meet certain conditions, including:
- You can show that you are a regular or long-time Zantac user, either prescription strength or over the counter.
- You have recently been diagnosed with cancer by a licensed healthcare provider.
- You have not accepted any settlements from a Zantac manufacturer that prohibit you from seeking further damages or taking legal action.
- You take action within your state’s statute of limitations.
A lawyer can help clarify the situation, answer your questions, and allow you to make an informed decision.
How Zantac Manufacturers Can Be Held Liable
Drug manufacturers are obligated to follow procedures that prevent consumers from harm. This includes an understanding of the chemicals in their drug formula.
Zantac and other ranitidine drugs contain a chemical called N-nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA. NDMA’s primary use is to induce tumors in lab animals, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Zantac users who were diagnosed with cancer are suing ranitidine manufacturers for manufacturing a drug containing excessive levels of NDMA. They allege that pharmaceutical companies should have known or warned users about this potential risk.
Duty of Care in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You may be able to sue Zantac if you can show liability and negligence on the part of the manufacturers. There are certain criteria that must be present in order to pursue damages:
- The manufacturer owes consumers a duty of care to prevent injury or illness when the medicine is taken as directed.
- The manufacturer breaches this duty of care by selling medicine with high levels of a known carcinogen.
- This negligence caused you or a loved one to develop cancer.
- You have damages in the form of medical bills and other losses.
A Zantac lawsuit attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you may qualify.
Lawsuits Focus on Link Between Zantac and Cancer
Despite it being a known carcinogen, the FDA allows a tiny amount of NDMA in medications. This amount is 96 nanograms (a nanogram is one-billionth of a single gram). The FDA recalled Zantac after an independent test found more than 3,000,000 nanograms in a tablet.
There are also other studies that show a link between NDMA or Zantac and a higher risk of developing cancer:
- A study published in Carcinogenesis revealed that higher NDMA levels meant a greater risk of pancreatic cancer.
- Research conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System found that heartburn medication increases the risk of fatal cases of gastrointestinal cancer, in addition to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.
If you believe there may be a relationship between Zantac and your cancer diagnosis, you deserve to know your legal rights.
What We Recommend About Suing Zantac
You may be entitled to pursue recovery if you took Zantac for an extended length of time and then developed cancer.
We recommend the following:
- Keep receipts or prescriptions for Zantac.
- Keep medical records and test results.
- Contact a law firm that accepts Zantac cancer lawsuits.
Call for a Free Case Evaluation
There is no reason to wait to learn more about your legal rights. Call D. Miller & Associates, PLLC for a free case evaluation with a member of our team: (713) 850-8600.
