Zantac does not cause an increase in the risk of heart attack, or an increased cardiovascular risk.
Differences in Acid Reflux Medications
There are two types of acid reflux suppression medications: H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPI). These two medications work in very different ways. For example, H2 blockers block histamine 2, a stimulus for acid production. PPIs block acid production at the proton pump, which is the actual source of acid. PPIs decrease stomach acid and reduce all acid production. These two different types of medications work in completely different ways, and therefore have different success levels for every individual. Additionally, these two medications have very different levels of risk associated with them for other medical complications.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Health
Zantac is not a proton pump inhibitor, however, it is an acid-reducing medication. Therefore, when studies, such as the one in the American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs reported that PPIs have an association with an increased cardiovascular risk for users, or the study done by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis that PPIs have a link to fatal heart disease and heart attacks, many people believed that Zantac and H2 blockers were also associated with these types of cardiovascular risks. However, while studies such as the one in the National Institutes of Health continue to show that the use of PPIs can increase the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular risks, the same risk does not hold true for those users of H2 blockers for heartburn and acid reflux health conditions.
Dangers of Zantac
While there is no direct evidence that Zantac causes heart attacks or increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, there are other dangers associated with taking Zantac, which is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made the decision to recall all Zantac products from the marketplace. Specifically, in 2019 the drug ranitidine tested positive for NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) which is a known carcinogen. Zantac is the brand name over-the-counter drug containing ranitidine. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies NDMA as a likely human carcinogen as does the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Therefore, some of the dangers of Zantac due to the discovery of NDMA include the following:
Liver Disease
According to the EPA, large quantities and exposure to NDMA may result in damage to the liver in humans. In fact, a National Institutes of Health study determined that liver injury may occur in those who take Zantac. Symptoms of liver disease and damage include diarrhea, enlarged liver, dizziness, nausea, jaundice, and abdominal cramps.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer initial symptoms may be difficult to pinpoint and vague, but could include abdominal pain and/or swelling, back pain, itchy skin, jaundice, enlarged spleen and/or liver, fever, unexplained weight loss, or appetite loss. The same National Institutes of Health study also concluded that exposure to NDMA increases the risk of developing liver cancer. If you discover that you have liver cancer, or any type of damage or disease to your liver as a result of NDMA exposure from taking Zantac, the earlier the diagnosis the better the prognosis. Always check with your healthcare provider to ensure the best care in your specific situation.
Other Types of Cancer
While Zantac does not cause heart attacks, the World Health Organization indicates that any exposure to large amounts of NDMA over a substantial period of time, such as the kind found in Zantac, can result in colorectal, kidney, gastric, and other types of cancers. If you feel you developed cancer as a result of taking Zantac or any other ranitidine-containing medications, consider speaking with a Zantac lawyer to help you understand your legal rights.
What to Do When You Still Have Acid Reflux
If you suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, you may have stopped taking Zantac due to the risks involved, as well as the fact that it was recently removed from the market by the FDA. However, there are also risks associated with proton pump inhibitors such as esomeprazole (Nexium), or omeprazole (Prilosec). You still have other choices such as famotidine (Pepcid) or in some cases, something as simple as Tums to alleviate your symptoms. Every situation is different, and you should always visit a medical professional to give you the best advice for your particular situation and to weigh all benefits and risks of a particular medication.
How a Zantac Ranitidine Cancer Lawyer Can Help
While Zantac is not considered a high risk for a heart attack, there are other dangers and risks associated with this medication. Call our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 635-1144 today. We can help you understand how a Zantac ranitidine cancer lawyer can assist you with your Zantac case, and help you understand your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing out of pocket and nothing up front. Our fee comes out of the settlement we secure on your behalf.