Zantac is a popular antacid medicine, which for years was used both as an over-the-counter and prescription option for heartburn, acid reflux, ulcer pain, and other gastrointestinal issues. However, studies have shown that when stored incorrectly and exposed to heat, Zantac’s main ingredient can become cancerous.
Unfortunately, some patients who have taken Zantac for years to deal with gastrointestinal discomfort have now developed cancer or have even passed away from cancer. The medication may be linked to stomach cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and other cancers.
More About the Zantac Lawsuit
The popular antacid medication was manufactured by Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Boehringer, Sanofi, and other producers. The active medical ingredient is ranitidine, which is not stable. When exposed to heat the medication can eventually have naturally-occurring N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
NDMA, according to the World Health Organization, causes cancer. When Zantac is stored for longer periods of time, more NDMA can develop, increasing the risk for patients. Due to the risk, Zantac and other medicines containing ranitidine were pulled from shelves in September 2019.
Unfortunately, some patients had already been taking Zantac for years. The manufacturers of the popular drug did not warn pharmacies, retailers, or consumers about the risk and did not include storage instructions to reduce the risk for patients. As a result, some patients and patients’ families have sought legal action against the drug makers.
What’s New With the Zantac Lawsuit
In April 2020, the FDA asked all ranitidine-containing antacids, including Zantac, be recalled. Since then, more patients in different states have come forward with legal claims, alleging manufacturers did not warn them of the risk and they now have cancer due to the medication.
The lawsuit is now in discovery, with multi-district litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Judge Robin Rosenberg has been assigned to the claim, which includes over 290 cases. That number is expected to rise significantly, simply due to the many patients that have taken the medication and may be impacted. Judge Rosenberg has stated she expects the discovery process to take 18 months.
Are You Impacted by the Zantac Lawsuit?
If you are someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and has taken Zantac in the past, you may be eligible to join a lawsuit being filed against the manufacturers. If an immediate family member has passed away after using Zantac, you may also have a wrongful death claim in Homestead or your community.
Do you think you may have a claim? If you have been impacted, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free accident consultation to discuss your legal options. We have decades of personal injury experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of thousands of plaintiffs.
Currently we offer phone and virtual consultations to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. If you have cancer or if a family member has cancer, virtual visits may help you feel more comfortable. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to find out whether you have a Zantac claim.