Zantac was one of the leading medications for upset stomachs on the market. However, it is removed from the market because of a potential side effect of one of its ingredients. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a contaminant that was found in Zantac, and the amount of NDMA found exceeded the recommended minimum dosage. It exceeded the dosage by so much that the FDA decided that Zantac needed to be taken off of the market, and many argue that the manufacturer should know that it was there. This is why many people are taking legal action against the makers of Zantac.
If you or someone that you know took Zantac and developed cancer, you may be able to file a Zantac lawsuit. Consult a lawyer before taking legal action to see if you have a plausible case. You may also be able to join one of the many class-action lawsuits that are building against the company.
Signs of Zantac Complications
The U.S.Food & Drug Administration followed up research on Zantac with a recommendation that anyone who has a prescription for it and wants to switch should talk to their doctors. It also recommended that Zantac be removed from the market in as many places as possible. However, people can still take Zantac if they do not experience complications from it. These Zantac complications can include:
- Insomnia: Insomnia is an inability to sleep due to underlying reasons despite being physically and mentally exhausted.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a digestive problem where stool does not form into a solid, and the patient must go to the bathroom very frequently. It can be dangerous since it can quickly lead to dehydration.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is an inability to maintain balance even while sitting still.
- Drowsiness: Drowsiness is difficulty staying awake even under normal stimulation.
- Constipation: Constipation is difficulty having bowel movements.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a condition where you are continuously tired even after resting an appropriate amount of time.
- Low sex drive: Low sex drive is a reduced desire to have sex, even when properly stimulated.
- Cancer: Cancer is a potential side effect of NDMA, which is believed to be a carcinogen. Zantac had unacceptably high amounts of NDMA, which would not be used in the manufacturing process.
There are other Zantac complications not covered on this list. If you take Zantac and experience any of these conditions, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. If untreated, Zantac complications can lead to more serious conditions.
Long-Term Adverse Impacts of Zantac Use
Although it is confirmed, taking Zantac long-term can lead to long-term adverse effects. Perhaps the most prevalent of these are cancer thanks to the NDMA found in Zantac tablets. Research by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health shows that these effects become more prevalent as the length of exposure to the medication increases. Zantac may also cause ulcers and stomach irritation after long-term exposure.
Understanding Your Rights
If you or a loved one is injured by taking medication, then you have the right to take legal action against the manufacturer. However, that manufacturer can only be held responsible in specific conditions, which is the case with the makers of Zantac.
The manufacturer likely knew that a medication could hurt patients or should know through effective testing during the trial phase that the medication could be harmful. In this case, many argue that the makers of Zantac should have known about the NDMA problem since the amount of NDMA is so high compared to the acceptable limit. This would likely be made apparent through a testing process to get the medication approved for the market. Although Zantac was approved, the company’s internal testing should have shown signs of NDMA contamination as well. Because of this, and the length of time that people suffered exposure, many people are looking at ways to take legal action to recover compensation.
When to Seek Legal Action
You can seek legal action whenever you feel that you are a victim of negligence by a company. However, it is a better choice to wait until you have proof of negative impacts on your health and life, as well as evidence of wrongdoing. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a case against a manufacturer.
Contact Us Today
Zantac has largely been removed from the market, except for prescription use. This offers some level of protection for people who are not taking Zantac going forward. However, there are many people that took Zantac and are suffering from serious illnesses and related expenses. One of their options to address this problem is to file a Zantac lawsuit so that they can recover compensation to help with the expenses.
If you or a loved one has cancer and took Zantac, consider speaking to a lawyer about a possible Zantac lawsuit. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 635-1144 to speak to our legal team about your options going forward. Winning a lawsuit against the makers of Zantac could help you recover compensation and relieve some of the stress caused by Zantac’s related healthcare issues.