Zantac has been voluntarily recalled three times by different manufacturers, followed by a mandatory recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April of 2020. The federal agency pulled Zantac and other ranitidine products off the market after an independent test showed excessive levels of a known carcinogen.
The FDA is investigating if a chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Zantac increases to dangerous levels over time and at warmer temperatures. NDMA is known to cause cancer in laboratory test animals, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
About the Voluntary Zantac Recalls
The FDA announced in January of 2020 that two pharmaceutical companies were voluntarily recalling ranitidine medications:
- Appco Pharma LLC voluntarily recalled ranitidine hydrochloride capsules that were available by prescription only.
- Northwind Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary recall of its 150 milligrams and 300 mg prescription ranitidine tablets manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceutical Inc.
In October of the same year, the pharmaceutical company Sanofi recalled its ranitidine brand name product, Zantac, over concerns that the drug contained NDMA. Additionally, Walgreens and CVS announced that they would no longer sell Zantac and other ranitidine medication.
FDA Issues Mandatory Recall of Zantac Over Cancer Concerns
The FDA issued a mandatory recall of all prescription and over the counter Zantac medications in April 2020. The agency stated that they reached this decision because they “…determined that the impurity in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures and may result in consumer exposure to unacceptable levels…”
The agency suggested that consumers who typically purchase over the counter Zantac heartburn medication should switch to other medicines that do not contain NDMA, including:
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
The FDA has not announced any plans to reinstate ranitidine products after the four times that Zantac has been recalled.
All Zantac Products Have Been Recalled
If you are taking over the counter Zantac or a generic ranitidine product, you may be able to return to the store where you bought it for a refund or a replacement product.
If you are taking prescription Zantac, the FDA suggests that you call your doctor about a suitable replacement.
The FDA’s mandatory recall includes:
- Oral tablets and capsules
- Zantac Cool Mint in 150-mg doses
- Effervescent
- Film-coated tablets
- Zantac in 75-mg and 150-mg doses
More Than a Dozen Manufacturers Affected
Zantac was a popular over the counter and prescription heartburn medicine. Many companies manufactured and marketed the drug. Here is a partial list of manufacturers whose ranitidine products were recalled:
- Acic Pharms
- Ajanta Pharma LTD
- Apotex
- Appco
- Aurobindo Pharma LTD
- Glenmark Pharms, Inc.
- Heritage Pharma
- Dr. Reddys Labs LTD
- Northwind Pharmaceuticals
- Novitium Pharma
- Sandoz
- Sanofi
- Strides Pharma
- VKT Pharma PVT LTD
- Wockhardt LTD
The FDA has a more detailed list, including lot numbers, on its website.
Makers of Zantac Are Facing Lawsuits From Sickened Consumers
In addition to its products being pulled from the shelves, pharmaceutical companies are facing lawsuits from consumers who allege that Zantac caused them to develop cancer.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 141 lawsuits have been filed against the makers and manufacturers for knowingly selling a medication that increased their risk of cancer.
The plaintiffs allege that regular use of either prescription or over the counter Zantac caused them to be diagnosed with certain types of cancer, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
Lawyers for the plaintiff in these cases are seeking compensatory damages.
Recalls Alone Are Not Enough to Pursue Damages
While recalling a dangerous product like Zantac is helpful, it does not mean that the pharmaceutical company will admit liability or wrongdoing. That is why some former Zantac users have filed lawsuits. They allege that it is unlikely that a manufacturer could not know that its product contained potentially lethal ingredients.
You may be entitled to pursue compensation if you meet certain conditions, including:
- You are an established consumer of prescription or over the counter Zantac or ranitidine medication.
- You have been diagnosed with cancer from a licensed healthcare provider.
- You have damages related to this diagnosis, such as cancer treatments, surgery, lost income, and other expenses.
A personal injury lawyer who accepts Zantac cancer lawsuits can help you pursue compensation and justice.
Call Today to Learn More
The Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is seeking clients who meet the criteria for a Zantac cancer lawsuit. For a free case review with a member of our firm, please call (800) 635-1144.