Zantac Pulled From Shelves Due to Probable Cancer Link
Clark Law Firm in New Jersey has learned that Zantac has been voluntarily recalled due to the presence of NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) which is a probable human carcinogen. NDMA is an organic chemical used in gasoline, pesticides as well as a lubricant additive and stabilizer for industrial materials. Zantac is the brand name of a common heartburn medication called ranitidine. Ranitidine is a type of drug known as an H2 blocker which decreases stomach acid by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach. Zantac is also approved for the treatment and prevention of ulcers and gastroesophageal disease.
New FDA testing and evaluation prompted by third-party laboratories confirmed that ranitidine (Zantac) itself causes high levels of NDMA exposure in patients under normal storage conditions, and has been found to increase significantly in samples stored at higher temperatures, including temperatures the product may be exposed to during distribution and handling by consumers. In addition, the older a ranitidine product is, or the longer the length of time since it was manufactured, the greater the level of NDMA.
These conditions may raise the level of NDMA in the ranitidine product above the acceptable daily intake limit. It has been reported that the levels of NDMA are 3,000 to 26,000 times higher than the FDA allowable limit.
Therefore, the FDA is now asking all manufacturers to stop production of Zantac or its generic equivalent. They have also asked consumers to stop taking Zantac or any products containing ranitidine and contact their doctors for alternatives. This includes both prescription and over the counter versions.
Potential Side Effects Include from Zantac:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon or rectal cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach Cancer
Potential Litigation
Currently there are cases filed against the manufacturer of Zantac alleging that they knowingly and intentionally concealed risks and sold medications containing a probable carcinogen to millions of people. Lawsuits are usually the most effective way to hold large pharmaceutical companies accountable for their actions.
Looking for a Zantac attorney that can help you? If you or a loved one were taking Zantac (ranitidine) or its generic equivalents, and developed cancer, you may have a potential claim. Please give our New Jersey legal team a call to learn about your legal rights and how we can assist you in seeking compensation from the manufacturer.