Drug recalls protect the public from continuing to take potentially harmful medication. Recently, medication containing ranitidine has been taken off the shelves. One popular ranitidine drug is Zantac. While many people originally took Zantac to treat stomach and intestine ulcers, stomach and throat problems, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a request to remove the drug from the market because it contains a possible contaminate called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a probable cause of cancer.
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac or other ranitidine drugs and you’ve received a cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible for legal action. Filing a Chicago Zantac cancer lawsuit with an experienced personal injury lawyer from Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys can help you get fair compensation for the illness-related losses you’ve suffered.
Reasons for the Zantac Recall
On April 1, 2020, the FDA requested to have ranitidine drugs taken off the market. These drugs can be prescription or over-the-counter, so they were available from doctors but also found in pharmacies and grocery stores.
Ranitidine drugs contain levels of NMDA, a probable carcinogen. Over time, the levels of NDMA can increase because of the temperature where the drug is stored. Consumers taking the drug can be exposed to the higher levels of NDMA, which increases the risk of cancer development.
According to the World Health Organization, increased levels of NDMA is associated with gastric or colorectal cancer. NDMA is believed to cause cancer by the biotransformation of liver microsomal enzymes, which then makes methyldiazonium ions.
Gastric cancer is caused by malignant cells in the stomach lining. Typically, gastric cancer patients have symptoms of indigestion, stomach pain, mild nausea, loss of appetite, and heartburn. As it progresses to advanced stages, the symptoms can include unknown weight loss, trouble swallowing, vomiting, stomach pain, and fluid build-up in the abdomen.
Colorectal cancer is caused when the cancer cells develop in the colon or rectum. According to the CDC, this type of cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. While those who have this type of cancer may not always have symptoms, some symptoms are possible. Continual stomach pain, aches, and cramps, unexplained weight loss, and blood in stool are signs that you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Other types of cancer that may be linked to Zantac include intestinal, liver, kidney, bladder, and esophageal cancer. If you or a loved one has developed any of these cancers and took Zantac, you may want to contact an attorney to discuss whether you have a claim.
How Are Drug Companies Responding to the FDA’s Request?
Sanofi is the drug company that sells Zantac. They recalled the product in October 2019. Other companies that sell versions of the drug have also complied with the FDA. Sandoz, a generic-drug division of Novartis, halted distribution of their prescription ranitidine drug. Other companies that have stopped their operations involving ranitidine drugs include GlaxoSmithKline, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Apotex.
If you’re wondering about the medicine you’re taking, it’s important to know the various brand names for ranitidine. Brand names for ranitidine drugs include Zantac, Zantac 150 Maximum Strength, and Zantac 75.
While learning that a drug you’re taking has been recalled can be worrisome, it’s important to know what to do next. If you’re taking over-the-counter medication, the FDA advises you to stop. However, if you’re taking prescription-strength ranitidine, you should speak with your doctor about how you should proceed. There are many drug alternatives that work similarly to Zantac, and the FDA has not found them to have the same associated risks. Those alternatives include:
- Famotidine (Pepcid)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Esomeprazole (Nexium)
- Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
- Omeprazole (Prilosec)
Have an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side
If you’re considering seeking compensation because you believe your cancer diagnosis was a result of taking prescription or OTC Zantac, then it’s vital to have a lawyer represent you. Lawsuits are currently being filed against manufacturers for not properly informing consumers about the severity of the drug’s risks. The complex nature of lawsuits against major corporations like drug companies requires an experienced attorney.
When you meet with an attorney for the first time, they will go over your legal options. You may find you’re eligible to file your own claim, which may be added to other cases in a multi-district litigation setting or join a class-action lawsuit. Once you know the way you should proceed, we’ll begin working to gather evidence to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be scary. As you are looking toward the future, you may wonder what treatment you’ll need and for how long. You may also be worried about your ability to work during this time. We may be able to seek damages for:
- Medical Expenses (past and future care)
- Lost Wages (past and future)
You shouldn’t have to worry about affording the care you need to treat an illness that may have been prevented if the manufacturer of a drug had correctly informed consumers about the risks. With financial security, you’ll be able to focus on your treatment and spending time with family.
Additionally, while you’re going through treatment, your life may have to change drastically. This may prevent you from participating in activities you used to enjoy, going to important events, and otherwise affecting the way you live your life.
Keeping the items above in mind, we may additionally be able to seek compensation for:
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Mental Anguish
While these can be more difficult to calculate, our lawyers have experience in developing these areas of damages to maximize compensation and making fair assessments of these noneconomic losses.
Seek Legal Options With Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one took Zantac and believe your cancer diagnosis is related to the drug’s possible side effects, it’s important to get in touch with one of our personal injury lawyers for a free case evaluation.
We’ll go over your case to see if you’re eligible to file a Chicago Zantac cancer lawsuit. We’re also prepared to answer your questions about the legal process and discuss the options available to you.
The lawyers at Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys know how filing a lawsuit can seem overwhelming when you’re already dealing with a serious illness. We’ll be at your side every step of the way and can fight for your right to compensation that can help you financially, physically, and emotionally.
