According to information located on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Reporting System (FAERS) public dashboard, from 1983 through 2020, 694 people have died from Zantac.
Deaths From Zantac
Zantac is the over-the-counter brand name for the drug ranitidine, which is an acid-suppressing medication for those suffering from heartburn and acid reflux. According to information from FAERS, from 1983 through 2020, Zantac caused 20,473 adverse reactions and 7,988 serious cases (which include deaths). Additionally, according to this same report, a total of 694 people have died from Zantac.
How Zantac Works
When GlaxoSmithKline first obtained FDA approval for the drug ranitidine in 1983, it proved to be a very popular drug, and ultimately millions of Americans took this drug on a daily basis for relief of heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. The main ingredient in Zantac is ranitidine, which is an H2 blocker that blocks histamine-2 receptor antagonists in the stomach. This stops the acid-making cells in the stomach lining from responding to histamine and reduces the symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as heartburn, gastric ulcers, acid reflux, and GERD. This medication is popular not only due to the fact that it is available over the counter and easily accessible but also because it works in as little as 30 minutes and controls acid production in the stomach for up to 12 hours.
Zantac Recalls
In the summer of 2019, Valisure laboratory research determined that Zantac contained the ability to react with itself over time to create a carcinogen known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Additionally, research showed that this was not the only way Zantac could create this carcinogen. In studies, Zantac also interacted with a human enzyme known as DDAH-1 to also create NDMA. While the discovery that Zantac contained NDMA was new, research proved the connection of NDMA to cancer for decades. In fact, as indicated in research done by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, NDMA was originally created and produced within the United States as a research chemical intended for rocket fuel.
Dangers of Zantac
NDMA is a carcinogen according to the World Health Organization, which determined that substantial exposure to significant amounts of NDMA can, unfortunately, result in kidney, colorectal, gastric, and other types of cancers. Additionally, along with an increased risk of cancer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that animals consuming large amounts of NDMA can develop serious medical conditions that may be life-threatening including kidney and liver diseases. However, it is significant to note that this particular research from the CDC does not directly indicate that NDMA causes cancer in humans, however, as research develops it appears that this carcinogen has a direct correlation to cancer in humans as evidenced from research from Harvard Medical School.
Zantac and Cancer Lawsuits
Shortly after the FDA recalled ranitidine-containing products such as Zantac, patients filed claims indicating that they developed cancer as a result of these products. On February 6, 2020, 140 cases were consolidated in the Southern District of Florida under U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg by the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation in MDL No. 2924. This case and others may prove that the number of people that have died from Zantac or ranitidine-containing medications may actually be much higher than the 694 reported in FAERS.
What to Do if You Have Cancer or Another Serious Medical Condition After Taking Zantac
First, you should always visit with your healthcare provider regarding the best steps to take in your particular situation. While research has connected Zantac and ranitidine to different types of cancer such as liver, renal, gastric, stomach, and bladder cancer, every person will have a unique set of facts and circumstances regarding their medical condition. However, if you used Zantac over a long period of time, you may have a valid claim against the manufacturer of the ranitidine-containing medication or the manufacturer of Zantac.
Disposing of Zantac Properly
If you were on the medication Zantac, or another ranitidine-containing medication, you should dispose of it safely and appropriately. Visit the FDA’s website to learn how you can dispose of this medication in a safe way.
How Many People Have Died From Zantac and Should I Seek Legal Help?
A number of people died due to adverse reactions from the drug Zantac throughout the past decades. Due to the connection between a known carcinogen and Zantac, this number may increase with this new evidence. If you developed cancer or another serious medical condition after taking Zantac, a member of our legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you understand how a Zantac ranitidine cancer lawyer can help you with your case, and help you understand your legal rights. Contact us today at (800) 635-1144 for a free consultation.