In April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered the removal of the heartburn antacid product Zantac and its generic equivalents from healthcare facilities, doctors’ offices, and drugstore shelves. Tests over the past year have found probable human cancer-causing carcinogens in the product. If you have been asking “Why can’t I find Zantac?” the answer is the FDA has recalled the product until further notice.
If you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, there are still other, similar products under various brands still available in drug stores, Walmart or elsewhere. But you are out of luck if you are looking for Zantac or similar antacid products that contain ranitidine.
FDA Recall
What led to the FDA recall of Zantac and products with the generic drug ranitidine being pulled from shelves? It began nearly a year ago, when an online pharmacy company named Valisure was conducting routine tests on Zantac and other generic heartburn capsules.
The team at Valisure found very high, very concerning levels of NDMA in ranitidine, commonly used to treat stomach ulcers, heartburn, and other illnesses around the esophagus. Tests showed that when combined with nitrates, ranitidine was developing into a cancer-causing agent.
Once Valisure corroborated its testing results, it notified the FDA to suggest a voluntary recall of products made with ranitidine. The FDA did just that in late September 2019. Almost immediately, it caused a pullback from major pharmaceutical companies.
Drugmakers like Sanofi, Sandoz, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and others voluntarily recalled any and all over the counter products and prescriptions of the drug. U.S. retailers like CVS, Walmart, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, and other drug store chains suspended sales of the products.
What If I Took Zantac?
As mentioned above, if you have been regularly taking Zantac or a generic for heartburn, acid reflux issues or other stomach-related illnesses, you may be able to find a similar OTC product or a new prescription that works well for you. Consult your doctor for recommendations.
But more importantly, if you have been recently diagnosed with cancer, it may be related to your use of Zantac or a generic drug with ranitidine. You may be interested in learning more about Zantac use and possible links to your cancer diagnosis. Our team of attorneys has been researching this FDA recall and its resulting effects. You may have options to explore your rights for a case of negligence against the makers of the drugs that you were taking.
For a free legal consultation with a Why Can't I Find Zantac? Lawyer serving nationwide, call (800) 635-1144
Negligence Lawsuits
Almost immediately after the FDA recall, class action lawsuits started to appear against a variety of drug makers for negligence. Zantac users who have cancer are working with attorneys to hold drugmakers like Zandoz and Sanofi accountable for their actions in producing a product that contains known carcinogens.
The initial lawsuits claim Sanofi (the manufacturer of Zantac) failed to alert consumers to inherent dangers in taking the drug, even though they knew of these dangers. Those consumers who have suffered from cancer diagnoses, like cancer of the stomach and/or bladder, may be eligible for compensation in the form of a financial award.
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The Science Behind the FDA Recall
The FDA recall was prompted by the routine tests conducted by Valisure in summer 2019. The scientific research showed that there was a clear connection between the use of ranitidine in Zantac, and the growth of high levels of NDMA in the body. Full tests are still ongoing, but preliminary tests pointed to a chemical reaction when ranitidine came into contact with water, producing the high levels of NDMA.
The negligence lawsuits are attempting to show that drug makers Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim knew of the possible growth of human carcinogens in the pills but did not disclose this information to consumers or any health/government entities.
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Cancer From Zantac
People who have been regularly taking Zantac or a generic drug containing ranitidine could be at risk of developing cancer of the bladder, colon, stomach, and other intestinal areas. If you are one of these individuals, you should stop taking Zantac immediately, and make an appointment to see a doctor for follow-up tests.
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Seek Out Professional Legal Advice
Next, consult our lawyers at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to learn more about answers to the question “Why Can’t I Find Zantac?”. You also may be among those who could be part of a class action or individual lawsuit against the drug makers for negligence. These large pharmaceutical companies should be held accountable for selling these drugs knowing that cancer risks were associated with the product.
The lawyers at the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm do not shy away from the tough cases. You pay nothing out of pocket and nothing up front. We only take our fee if we secure a fair settlement or court award on your behalf. Contact us today at (800) 635-1144 for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation and the call is free.
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