NDMA, chemically known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine, is an organic compound. NDMA is dangerous to both human beings and other animals. NDMA is toxic and can potentially cause cancer if consumed in high dosages or over a long period of time. Some prescription medications, like ranitidine, which is used to treat acid reflux disease, contain NDMA. If you have been exposed to NDMA through ranitidine, you could be at risk. You should seek medical attention if you consumed NDMA.
Exposure to NDMA
If you were exposed to the compound known as NDMA, a likely culprit is your medication. In the past, common blood-pressure medications were found to have trace amounts of NDMA present. In 2018, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), recalled a number of blood pressure medications due to the possible presence of NMDA.
More recently, acid reflux disease medications containing ranitidine were called into question due to the potential presence of NDMA. Acid reflux disease is a condition characterized by contents of the stomach, including digestive fluids, traveling up the esophagus. This can cause a great deal of pain, discomfort, and even permanent damage. Many people who suffer from acid reflux disease seek treatment, and medical professionals sometimes prescribe the drug ranitidine, which is commercially known as Zantac, along with other over-the-counter medications.
The FDA implemented a voluntary recall of Zantac in 2020 following concerns that the drug could contain the potentially harmful compound NDMA. The presence of NDMA is thought to occur in higher amounts if ranitidine is stored improperly, or at a higher than usual temperature. It is also possible that enzymes in the human body interact with ranitidine in a way that creates NDMA as a dangerous byproduct. NDMA can also occur naturally, so other forms of exposure are possible.
While there are ongoing studies examining the exact effects of NDMA on the human body, the general consensus among the medical community is that this substance can be toxic.
The Effects of NDMA on Your Body
NDMA may be a carcinogen for humans. This means exposure to a certain amount or over a long period of time can potentially cause cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, NDMA also may modify DNA in human beings. This can result in cells reproducing at an unwanted rate, leading to certain types of cancers. If you think you have been exposed to NDMA, you should seek help.
How You Can Get Help
Understanding your medical and legal options is important if you were exposed to NDMA. Speaking with a doctor or pharmacist could be beneficial. A medical professional will be able to assess both the prescription and over-the-counter medications you have taken to determine if you could have been exposed to NDMA. The amount of NDMA you were exposed to depends on your medications, as well as the duration of your intake and the dosage. Your doctor can also monitor your health over time and conduct tests to see if NDMA has affected your health.
During this time, you also may want to consider your legal options. While you might feel fine and healthy, NDMA can be dangerous, and exposure to NDMA could prove to be dangerous over time. If you were prescribed a medication containing ranitidine after the FDA recall of these drugs, or if you ingested ranitidine that was improperly stored, your health could be at risk. If another party was liable for putting your health at risk, you may have legal options available. In some cases, victims could collect financial compensation.
Understanding Legal Options
If you were exposed to NDMA while taking ranitidine for acid reflux disease, you may be able to take legal action. NDMA is dangerous and has been proven to cause harm and potentially lead to various forms of cancer.
If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to discuss your case in a free consultation. Depending on your situation, you could be eligible to collect financial compensation. Remember that filing a claim in many jurisdictions is subject to a statute of limitations, so it could be in your best interest to take action in the near future. Call (800) 635-1144 to speak with a team member today.