Zantac

What is zantac?

Zantac, the most popular brand of ranitidine, is used to help reduce stomach acid. The medication is commonly prescribed to treat ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic indigestion, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.  It comes in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths that may be taken by mouth or administered via injection into a muscle or vein.

Ranitidine belongs to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers that work by reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces.  H2 receptors are present on the cells in the stomach lining. A histamine chemical normally stimulates these receptors to produce acid to the body help digest food.  Ranitidine blocks these receptors, and prevents histamine from producing its normal effect, which causes the stomach to produce less acid.

The manufacturers of Zantac and generic ranitidine products have warned patients and healthcare providers about the following potential side effects, but to this day have never warned about any potential exposure to a carcinogen:

• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal side effects (constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain)
• Drowsiness, dizziness
• Sleep problems
• Decreased sex drive
• Swollen or tender breasts (in men)
• At high doses, may affect liver function

How Shunnarah can help with Zantac claims

We understand that things may be overwhelming for you when dealing with the negative consequences of taking Zantac. Ultimately, we believe that teaming up with an attorney can help you by providing:

What is Ndma and why is it in zantac?

NDMA was used to make rocket fuel years ago, but it was banned from that process after high levels of the chemical were found in the air, water, and soil samples around rocket fuel manufacturing plants.

NDMA may also be formed as a by-product of other manufacturing processes.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), humans can be exposed to NDMA through a wide variety of sources, including:

• The environment—the air, rivers and lakes, and soil
• Tobacco smoke, chewing tobacco
• Food—cured meat, beer, fish, cheese, and other items
• Toiletry and cosmetic products
• Interior air of cars
• Household items like detergents and pesticides

NDMA can even form in the stomach during digestion of alkylamine-containing foods and has been detected in small amounts in breast milk.  In addition to WHO and IARC, NDMA has been classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as probably carcinogenic to humans, because it can modify DNA.  Studies have shown the chemical to increase cancer risk in animal experiments.

The WHO notes had indicated that the results of human studies so far can’t be used to “derive a quantitative risk of cancer”.  In a 2002 Chemical Assessment Document, the WHO reviewed studies that addressed NDMA’s effects on humans and reported that “[i]n three of four case–control studies, there was a positive relationship with evidence of exposure–response for the intake of NDMA and gastric cancer….”

The FDA has so far labeled NDMA as an “impurity” found in Zantac, generic ranitidine, and other drugs, but Valisure disagrees, stating the carcinogen is a natural by-product of the ingredients used to make the drug.

Valisure believes it has discovered the link between Zantac and its generics to NDMA:

“Valisure’s research, along with that of Stanford University and others, found that NDMA was the result of the ‘inherent instability’ of the ranitidine molecule. This means that all manufacturers, brand or generic, and all lots of ranitidine-containing medications are affected and could generate very high levels of NDMA in the human body.”

Significantly, ranitidine interacts with the stomach in a warm environment, and that heat could potentially transform the drug into NDMA during the digestive process, though we are still waiting on studies to confirm this.

Meanwhile, France, Canada, Austria, and other countries have recalled all forms of ranitidine from their markets after detecting NDMA. The drug remains available in the U.S., though many major drugstore chains, including CVS and Walgreens, pulled Zantac and generic versions of the heartburn drug from their shelves.

The latest update from the FDA indicates that it continues to test ranitidine products from multiple manufacturers, and is assessing the potential impact on patients who have been taking the drug.  It’s also requested that manufacturers conduct their own lab tests to assess levels of NDMA in their products and to send samples to the FDA for additional testing.

Cancers linked to zantac use

Zantac (ranitidine) was once a leading medication prescribed and over-the-counter drug used to treat heartburn, stomach ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. However, revelations that Zantac and its generics could contain NDMA, a substance linked to cancer, led to global recalls and significant concern among patients who had long relied on this medication.

The discovery of NDMA in Zantac has resulted in a wave of lawsuits from consumers who developed cancer after taking Zantac, alleging that the manufacturers failed to warn about the risk of carcinogen exposure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using Zantac, reaching out to a Zantac lawyer can be a crucial step. A Zantac lawsuit can help secure compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, aiming to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence.

Patients considering a Zantac lawsuit should be aware of the types of cancer most frequently associated with the drug, including:

• Stomach and gastric cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Why contacting a zantac lawyer is essential

The complexities of litigating Zantac cases, particularly those involving cancer diagnoses, require the expertise of lawyers who specialize in pharmaceutical litigation. At Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, our team of experienced lawyers An experienced lawyer can offer invaluable guidance through the intricacies of Zantac cases, from gathering evidence to navigating the legal system and ensuring that your claim is effectively presented.

With statutes of limitations in place, it’s important to act swiftly to preserve your right to file a lawsuit. Consulting with a lawyer experienced in Zantac cases can provide clarity on your legal options and the next steps toward seeking justice and compensation for your suffering.

Need help with complications due to Zantac? Contact Shunnarah today.