The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is requesting that all manufacturers immediately withdraw prescription and over-the-counter forms of Zantac from the market after new evidence reportedly shows how certain conditions may raise the level of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in medications containing ranitidine (Zantac).

The request is the latest in an ongoing investigation that started in the summer of 2019, prompting the agency to issue a statement alerting patients and health care professionals of the possible risks associated with the heartburn medication.

Zantac was a very popular antacid drug since the 1980s, typically used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. The drug was one of the most popular medications in pharmaceutical history. The makers of Zantac marketed it as effective, which it was, while hiding the risks associated with it.

Millions of people purchased Zantac, and its generic equivalent over-the-counter, when they had just mild gastroesophageal reflux disease and would have never taken the drug unless someone had advised them of the risk of developing cancer.

If you or your loved one has been injured after using Zantac contact Linville Law Group today. Affected patients and their families may be able to pursue a claim and recover compensation with the help of a dangerous drug attorney.

The following injuries have been linked to Zantac and NDMA exposure:

• Bladder Cancer

• Liver Cancer

• Pancreatic Cancer

• Stomach/Gastric Cancer

• Esophageal Cancer

On April 1, 2020, the FDA announced that new studies and information from third-party laboratories confirmed the increased level of NDMA in ranitidine when the product is stored at higher temperatures. Testing also reportedly indicated that the longer a ranitidine product sits on a store’s shelf or in the home of a consumer, the greater the level of NDMA.

In the summer of 2019, the FDA was notified that independent testing had discovered NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, in products containing ranitidine. While low levels of NDMA are commonly present in foods and water, exposure to higher levels of the substance could potentially lead to an increased risk of cancer.

Along with its announcement to remove all Zantac products from the market, the FDA advises consumers to stop taking over-the-counter versions of the product and to get rid of any products they currently possess. Consumers who want to continue to use the medication are asked to consider using a similar product, and those prescribed the medication are encouraged to speak with their health care provider or doctor about other options for treatment.

Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If their products have risks of harm, they must also provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.

People injured by Zantac and other similar heartburn medications containing ranitidine may be able to recover money for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain of losing a loved one.

The experienced lawyers at Linville Law Group understand the extent of the injuries caused by Zantac and strongly believe that the manufacturers who market these dangerous drugs should be held accountable for the damage that they have caused. We have the legal knowledge and experience that is required to prove liability in these complex cases.

Contact Linville Law Group today to schedule your consultation. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.

Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.