Late last year, scientists discovered that Zantac, an over-the-counter (OTC) heartburn medication, has been contaminated with a possible carcinogen, NDMA. Those who have been taking Zantac in the last several years may have been exposed to the contaminant, making them vulnerable to developing a long list of potential cancers, affecting many different parts of the body. If you have been using Zantac for an extended period and have recently been diagnosed with cancer,the experienced North Carolina Zantac cancer lawyers at Riddle & Brantley will work with you to determine your eligibility in filing a lawsuit for your condition. You have the right to sue in pursuit of financial compensation to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering.
High Concentrations of NDMA in Zantac
Zantac, also known by its generic name, ranitidine, is a type of H2 antagonist, a group of drugs known to reduce the production of stomach acid to provide relief to acid reflux, stomach ulcers, and similar conditions. Last year, researchers confirmed dangerously high concentrations of nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the drug. The compound is listed by both the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a human carcinogen. Reports have shown that the manufacturers of the drug have known of this contamination since the 80s, yet they persisted in its production and distribution.
Cancers linked to NDMA exposure include:
- Bladder
- Esophageal
- Leukemia
- Kidneys
- Small and large intestines
- Multiple myeloma
- Prostate
- Colon
- Stomach
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
If you have been taking Zantac for an extended period, and have recently been diagnosed with any of the cancers listed above, you have the right to file a lawsuit.
Eligibility to File Suit
More than 60 million people in the United States suffer from symptoms of heartburn with an accompanying 15 million prescriptions written for the condition every single year. Zantac was in the top 50 of all prescribed medications in the country, meaning that there are potentially tens of millions of people who have suffered lethal complications in their health due to the negligence of manufacturers and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You have the right to sue in pursuit of financial compensation to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering.
You can file three primary types of lawsuits:
- Class Action Lawsuit: This type of lawsuit is to hold drug companies accountable for knowingly withholding critical information of the contamination from consumers regarding the NDMA contamination or possible side effects.
- Zantac Cancer Lawsuit:This is for individuals who have developed cancer after having taken Zantac for an extended period. This is a type of personal injury claim lawsuit and would be filed against the manufacturer.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuit: This is for individuals whose family members have died after developing any of the cancers listed above following the extended use of Zantac.
When you are ready to file suit against the manufacturers of Zantac who purposely withheld information regarding its contamination, get in touch with a Zantac lawyer right away. You are entitled to compensation for the harm this drug has inflicted on your health. Let an experienced lawyer assist you in getting the justice you deserve.
