In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that all manufacturing and distribution of the drug Zantac, also known by its generic name, ranitidine, cease immediately. This was due to the discovery in late 2019 that the over-the-counter heartburn drug was contaminated by a suspected carcinogen, NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). Legal experts are expecting thousands of lawsuits related to the use of Zantac to be filed over the next few years. The experienced Zantac cancer lawyers at Riddle & Brantley in North Carolinahave provided important information to know whether you have been affected and who may be liable.
Determining Liability
First, it is important to realize the large number of parties involved in the manufacture and distribution of this drug. During its introduction as a form of relief from acid reflux, Zantac was not always available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and was distributed only through prescription by a physician. It was only by the late 80s that it was allowed to be distributed as an OTC.
Still, reports have shown that manufacturers of the drug have been aware of the presence of NDMA in Zantac and other histamine receptor antagonists (medications used to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid) since around that same time. Once the evidence has proven that these manufacturers intentionally ignored these warnings of contamination, they will be the first to be held liable for any development of multiple forms of cancer in claimants. Some of the cancers that can be caused by NDMA are listed below:
- Lung cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Pancreatic cancer
There is a growing foundation of evidence showing that the companies Boehringer Ingelheim and Sanofi, those responsible for the production of Zantac, were fully aware of the NDMA contamination. They hid this information from consumers while pulling in more than $1 billion in revenue. It’s been said that since then, millions of Zantac users have been exposed to the dangers of the carcinogen. If you have been using Zantac and have experienced unusual side effects or even developed any form of cancer, including the ones listed above, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
How a Zantac Lawsuit Attorney Can Help You
Many people are now filing class action lawsuits against the makers of Zantac, as they were the ones with the knowledge of contamination and knowingly hid it from the public. In addition to the presence of NDMA, claimants are also suing based on the accusation that the companies intentionally mislead consumers on the possible side effects of the ranitidine products.
If you are a resident of any of the states below and have been taking Zantac for one or more years, regardless of whether it was a prescription or as an OTC drug, you are eligible to file suit.
- California
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
Attempting to file this lawsuit without the proper help will put you at risk of losing a substantial amount of money. To ensure you get the justice you deserve, get in touch with a Zantac lawsuit attorney as soon as possible.
