If you used to take Zantac, and are now experiencing any adverse health effects, talk to your doctor.
Zantac was recently recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the acid reflux medication being contaminated with a cancerous toxin called NDMA.
Until very recently, tens of millions of Americans would take Zantac every year to treat indigestion, heartburn, stomach ulcers, and conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Over the past four decades or so, Zantac and another class of drugs called PPIs became the defacto treatments prescribed for these issues, which affect about 20% of the population, according to the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
NDMA Contamination of Zantac
If you used to take Zantac to treat any of the disorders mentioned above, you might be at risk of NDMA contamination. NDMA is a compound that can be found in a variety of foods and different environments.
It can be found in everything from cheese and vegetables to cured meats, beer, and water from waste treatment plants. It can also enter the environment from various industrial processes such as pesticide and rubber manufacturing, and it was once used in various fuels and lubricants.
According to the FDA, it is only safe to ingest up to 96 nanograms of NDMA daily, and any amount higher than this can be dangerous. However, if the drug is stored at a higher temperature for a long period of time, the FDA says the NDMA level in the product will rise above the acceptable amount.
If you used Zantac at any time in the past or used it regularly to treat your digestion issues, talk to your doctor about your Zantac use and discuss possible alternatives that you can take until a decision is arrived at regarding Zantac.
The FDA Recall and NDMA in Other Medications
The FDA recalled Zantac from stores nationwide in September of last year. However, only certain lots were included in the recall, all of which came from a single manufacturer. The recall was based on reports that Zantac contained–or could lead to–unsafe levels of NDMA in the body.
Regardless, the FDA says all consumers should cease using ranitidine products now speak to their doctor about alternatives for controlling GERD or stomach ulcers.
Anyone who took Zantac for a long period of time prior to the recall could be at a heightened risk of NDMA poisoning and any of the cancers that it has been linked to. If you experience abdominal pain, weight loss, changes in bowel habits, or bloody urine, speak to your doctor immediately.
Furthermore, anyone who took certain classes of blood pressure medications may also be at NDMA risk from those drugs. Similar recalls for various blood pressure drugs were issued by the FDA in the past.
For a free legal consultation with a What Should I Do If I Used to Take Zantac? Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 635-1144
What to Do Next
If you used to take Zantac, here is what you should do next.
- Speak with your doctor about alternative medications for controlling GERD, acid reflux, or stomach ulcers.
- Test yourself for NDMA poisoning and liver damage.
- Check whether any dosages you took were from one of the lots flagged by the FDA.
- Try to manage your indigestion and stomach ailments without using medications by losing weight, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, elevating your head when you sleep, and not lying down too soon after eating.
What Should I Do If I Used to Take Zantac? Lawyer Near Me (800) 635-1144
We Are Here to Help
If you took Zantac in the past, whether for a long time or for short-term digestion issues, speak with your doctor about the likelihood that you took dosages that could be dangerous. You should also speak with your doctor if you suffer unexplained weight loss, rashes, nausea, and vomiting, as these symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that has not yet been addressed.
There is no reason you should be forced to pay for injuries that you unknowingly suffered from a drug you thought was safe. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you need and file a product liability claim against any at-fault parties responsible for injuring you. Some recoverable compensation could include:
- Medical bills
- Transportation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
This is not a full list of the awards you could be entitled to, and a member of our team can give you an estimate. Call us today at (800) 635-1144 to reach a member of our team for a free case evaluation.
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