Zantac was first linked to cancer on September 9, 2019, when the online pharmacy, Valisure identified high levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in the popular heartburn medication. NDMA is a probable human carcinogen, which means it is a substance that could cause cancer.
Esophageal Cancer
After this information became public knowledge, many consumers were able to link their cancer diagnoses to Zantac and high levels of NDMA. One New Jersey woman filed suit on January 3, citing several years of Zantac use as the cause of her esophageal cancer. The plaintiff claims she never would have purchased, nor ingested Zantac had she known about the extremely high levels of NDMA and heightened risk for cancer associated with the drug.
Zantac is one of the best-selling drugs in history and esophageal cancer is the 6th most common cause of cancer death worldwide.
According to a series of lawsuits filed across the nation, exposure to NDMA in Zantac can lead to cancer along the digestive tract.
Colon Cancer
In Florida, another woman linked Zantac to her cancer, although this time it was cancer of the colon. This woman has filed suit against not only Sanofi, the manufacturer of Zantac, but also against drugmakers Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline. Because the problem with Zantac comes from its active ingredient, ranitidine, generic versions of the drug may also contain harmful levels of NDMA. The January 7 lawsuit alleges manufacturers knew ranitidine medications exposed their consumers to NDMA but failed to disclose the potential cancer risk and report problems to regulatory boards like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Fortunately, colon cancer is highly treatable when discovered in its earliest stages. Unfortunately, a series of lawsuits against Zantac have indicated the drug’s association with:
- Rectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer (see above)
- Stomach cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Other diseases
Zantac has been on the market since 1986 and did not implement any consumer protections until Sanofi recalled the medication in October 2019. Some Zantac pills contained up to 3,000,000 nanograms (ng) of NDMA when the acceptable daily limit is 96 ng.
Class Action
Due to the high number of lawsuits being filed against Sanofi, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation is considering consolidating the suits into a class action.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after regular use of Zantac, contact Casey Law Offices, S.C. to see if you’re eligible to join.
Depending on your injuries and losses, you may be entitled to compensation.
To discuss your case with Attorney John P. Casey, call us 24/7 at (414) 272-5564 or request your free consultation online.