If you are among the patients who have been prescribed the heartburn antacid medication Zantac, then you should immediately stop taking it. In recent months, Zantac and its generic drug ranitidine has been pulled from shelves and is now banned in all 50 states after the Food and Drug Administration found low levels of a cancer-causing impurity in the capsules. If you are still using a prescription from earlier this year, it is time to throw those capsules away.
In addition, you may want to consider contacting an attorney if you believe you are suffering physical issues as a result of taking Zantac and related generic pills. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights if your use of Zantac or generic medicines were the cause of any physical issues.
Elements of Human Carcinogen
During testing in fall 2019, the United States Food and Drug Administration found that some ranitidine medications — both generic label and those branded as ‘Zantac’ – contained levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) that were higher than FDA-established limits for ranitidine (hydrochloride) capsules. This was problematic as NDMA has been found to be a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Upon seeing the findings, the FDA issued a voluntary recall for the drug to pharmacies and health care facilities. The drug administration agency learned that the levels of impurities found in ranitidine products increased when the product was stored at higher-than-room-temperature levels.
Zantac Market Withdrawal
After the initial announcement in September 2019, U.S. drugstore retail stores CVS and Walgreens quickly suspended sales of Zantac and other generic ranitidine versions from their product offerings, and removed the products from inventory until further notice. Wal-Mart and other big box retailers also followed the moves by the pharmacy chains.
In early 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the complete removal of the drug Zantac and related ranitidine products from the marketplace. Since April 1, 2020, products containing ranitidine are now unavailable in the U.S. for prescription or over the counter use.
For a free legal consultation with a Is Zantac Banned in All 50 States? Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 635-1144
Background & History
The international medical and drug communities have known since the turn of the century that a combination of DMA and nitrite could result in the chemical NDMA. Researchers had already found high levels of NDMA in contaminated drinking water in states across the U.S. according to a report published by the World Health Organization, and postulated that the carcinogen was being produced through the mixing of DMA with nitrates in the body.
In routine testing of ranitidine products in summer 2019, online pharmacy company Valisure conducted testing that showed very high levels of NDMA in ranitidine capsules. These tests found NDMA levels in ranitidine pills and Zantac tablets to be as high as 3,000 micrograms. Over the next few weeks, researchers conducted more tests to check the status of the drug in a stomach-like environment. These tests corroborated their earlier findings, showing levels as high as 300 micrograms.
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Lawsuits From Ranitidine Market Withdrawal
Because this drug has been found to contain cancer-causing chemicals, its recall has led to a raft of individual lawsuits or class-action lawsuits, per Law.com.
These lawsuits are on behalf of people who believe they are suffering from cancer diagnoses as a result of taking Zantac and other ranitidine tablets over time in recent years. Plaintiffs are alleging that Zantac manufacturers like Zardoz, Sanofi, Apotex, and others knew of the dangers of NDMA in the body from the product.
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Cancer Diagnosis
If you recently received a cancer diagnosis, such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, stomach cancer or other similar types of diseases, then it is in your right to start thinking about your exposure to Zantac and ranitidine. Were you taking heartburn medicine regularly for two or three months or even longer in the past few years? If so, you may want to consider the possible link to Zantac or ranitidine.
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Consult an Attorney
If you have taken Zantac or a generic form of ranitidine in recent years, you can seek legal advice from the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. As of now, Zantac is banned in all 50 states.
The Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has over 33 years of experience in fighting legal battles for personal injury claims, class action lawsuits and other matters. Our team has explored cases against manufacturers of products that are found to be harmful in some way. We have filed claims that have sought justice and financial settlement awards against drug makers, chemical producers, insurance companies and others.
At the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm we do not shy away from the tough cases. You pay nothing out of pocket and nothing up front. We take our fee out of the settlement we secure on your behalf. Call a member of our team today at (800) 635-1144 for a free case evaluation.
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