According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the impurity in Zantac that causes cancer is known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Based on previous studies, NDMA is considered a probable carcinogen, which means it may cause cancer in humans.
The FDA has already taken steps to remove this dangerous drug from everyday households. In April of 2020, the FDA requested that manufacturers remove Zantac from the market. They determined that NDMA levels in Zantac can increase over time when it is stored at higher temperatures. As the impurity of the product increases, the risk of consuming toxic amounts of the chemical increases.
Even when NDMA is consumed in small amounts over a prolonged period of time, the chemical could be harmful and could even cause cancer. At the end of the day, there is no safe level of carcinogens in the human body.
Why Zantac Was Prescribed in the Past
According to Healthline, Zantac is primarily used to relieve the symptoms of heartburn. Before it was recalled, Zantac could be obtained in a variety of ways, as it was sold over-the-counter and prescribed by doctors.
At a base level, Zantac is a histamine blocker that works to decrease the levels of stomach acid in the user’s body. Zantac was prescribed to reduce symptoms associated with heartburn, acid reflux, and other symptoms.
Before it was recalled, Zantac was used to treat and prevent multiple ailments, including:
- Stomach ulcers and intestinal ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Erosive esophagitis
- Indigestion
- Difficulty swallowing
- And more
What You Should Do if You Were Previously Taking Zantac
If you took Zantac for any amount of time, you should tell your doctor and follow their medical guidance. They may decide that you need further testing, like blood work or CT scans, to determine any damage to your health.
If you need an alternative treatment for your heartburn, acid reflux, or ulcers, ask your doctor about other medications that may help with your condition. There are several other medications that can reduce the amount of acid in your stomach without putting you at risk of getting cancer.
After you receive medical treatment for your ailments, you may want to explore your legal options. Cancer is a painful and costly medical condition to treat and live with. If the court finds that Zantac was responsible for your health condition, the makers of Zantac could be held liable for:
- Your medical costs, including chemotherapy, prescription drugs, hospitalization, and more
- Your pain and suffering, including the physical and emotional pain you endured due to your health condition
- Loss of consortium, if you lost a loved one to cancer caused by Zantac
All over the country, victims are taking legal action against the manufacturers of Zantac for putting them in harm’s way. With the help of an injury lawyer, you could build a compelling case for your compensation.
If you have experienced adverse side effects from any sort of medication, the FDA asks that you report your story to their MedWatch Program and Adverse Event Reporting Program so they can investigate the root of the issue and hopefully prevent further damage to other victims.
How a Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help You with a Lawsuit Against the Makers of Zantac
Bringing a lawsuit against a major pharmaceutical company can be challenging. A lawyer who has experience with these kinds of cases will understand how to present your evidence and fight to hold the negligent drug makers responsible.
A lawyer can help you with the most difficult aspects of a lawsuit against a drug maker, including:
- Showing that the drug was directly responsible for causing your injuries, which could involve gathering expert testimony to demonstrate that taking Zantac led to your cancer or another health condition
- Gathering evidence to show the big picture impact the drug has had on your life, including your current and future medical costs, lost wages due to time spent in recovery, and more
- Litigating your case on your behalf
In addition to the above, a lawyer can handle all other aspects of your case for you. If you have been suffering from a painful health condition, you will not have to worry about the legal details on top of tending to your health. A lawyer can communicate with any third parties, file necessary paperwork, keep you updated on your case, and more.
Zantac Lawsuit Lawyers Serving Victims in Florida
Here at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, we will not stand by as big pharmaceutical companies continue to put innocent people in harm’s way. If you have been diagnosed with a serious medical condition after taking Zantac, our attorneys can be there to represent your fight for justice.
When you work with Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you can expect to work with the firm’s partners directly, not a case manager. We will stand beside you from start to finish.
To learn more about your legal options and what is in Zantac that causes cancer, contact a Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers representative today at (855) 529-0269 to get started with your free consultation.