Zantac was an over-the-counter medication also available in a stronger prescription form. It was used primarily to treat some of the various forms and causes of heartburn and acid reflux. The non-commercial name of this drug is ranitidine, and it has been linked to all manner of cancers. If you or someone you love has developed cancer after taking Zantac or any other form of ranitidine, then you should contact a Zantac lawyer as soon as possible. You may have been exposed to a dangerous cancer-causing chemical and may be eligible for compensation.
The Denson Law Firm will evaluate your case and determine the way forward to potentially getting you the compensation you deserve.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac was a popular drug that was available OTC and by prescription. Since 1983, when it first received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, it has been widely used and recommended to treat a variety of related ailments, including:
- Heartburn
- Acid indigestion
- GERD
- Gastric ulcers
Zantac is a member of a category of drugs known as H2 blockers. H2 blockers, also known as histamine H2-receptor antagonists, effectively reduce the quantity of acid produced in the stomach lining, which is why they are used to treat the illnesses listed above.
FDA Zantac Recall
Zantac’s popularity broke records and made it the top-selling drug in the world in 1988. Nine years later, its manufacturer’s patent expired, and generic versions of the drug hit the market.
However, in the fall of 2019, regulatory agencies in Europe and North America began reviewing the risks associated with ranitidine (Zantac and its generic alternatives). By October, the FDA reported finding unacceptable levels of a dangerous carcinogenic contaminant known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in samples of ranitidine.
That same month, numerous big-box retailers, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid Corp, and various distributors, ceased selling and distributing Zantac and its alternatives.
On April 1, 2020, the FDA requested all manufacturers working with ranitidine to withdraw all of their products, both prescription and OTC, from the market. The agency’s research demonstrated that ranitidine products frequently become more contaminated with NDMA as time passes due to their storage at high temperatures.
As stated earlier, NDMA is a cancer-causing substance. Its presence in popular ranitidine products such as Zantac means that millions had been exposed to a dangerous carcinogen before the FDA recall.
Zantac Cancer Lawsuits
During the investigations, the withdrawals of ranitidine from the market, and the FDA recall, it started to become clear that certain cancer cases were directly related to the consumption of Zantac.
Fortunately, the law allows consumers to hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the damage they cause. Zantac cancer lawsuits are appearing, with many of them being consolidated into class-action suits due to the sheer number of plaintiffs.
With the help of a Zantac lawyer, many victims are in line to get compensated for the pain and suffering caused by the manufacturers of this dangerous drug. Although legal remedies can’t change the past, they can provide some comfort for the future.
About Zantac (Ranitidine) Cancer Lawsuits
The plaintiffs in the Zantac lawsuits all have at least two things in common: They have all developed some form of cancer, and they all took Zantac or a generic version of the drug.
Some of the many types of cancer directly linked to contaminated ranitidine include:
- Bladder Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
Additionally, it is now known that the longer ranitidine products sat, the more contaminated they became, especially when the temperature was elevated.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
Zantac lawsuit attorneys will review your situation and tell you if you have a case. Essentially, you must prove three elements to demonstrate that you have a valid claim.
First, your lawyer must show that Zantac or ranitidine products were defective and that you took this defective medication.
Next, you must prove that the defective medication was the cause of your illness or disease; your lawyer must establish a link between Zantac and your illness.
Finally, you will also have to prove that you incurred some sort of damage caused by Zantac. Your Zantac lawyer will help you quantify the damages you have suffered into a compensable figure.
How Much Is the Average Settlement for a Zantac Lawsuit?
Damages are very case-specific, and the average settlement amount for a Zantac cancer lawsuit varies between plaintiffs. Each person suffering from the effects of Zantac and ranitidine will manifest this suffering in different ways.
In general, your attorney will study the specifics of your case and the harm you have suffered. After careful analysis, your Zantac lawyer will then be able to give you an idea as to what damages you might receive due to Zantac cancer.
Some of the types of potential damages include:
- Diminished quality of life
- Diminished or lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Physical pain
- Physical incapacitation
- Psychological incapacitation
- Emotional pain
- Depression
Your specific case will determine the amount of the final award for damages. Many factors will affect how much you end up obtaining. For example, length of medical treatment, stage of illness, and degree of physical and mental trauma are all factors in determining how much compensation you may receive.
Additionally, your job and bills will be factored into any compensation figures. More importantly, the state of your health will also be considered. The court will want to make sure that any illnesses you have developed were not pre-existing conditions that developed before taking Zantac.
How Can a Zantac Lawyer Help My Case?
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac and developed cancer, consulting a Zantac attorney is your first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. The FDA and other regulatory and research agencies have spoken: Zantac and ranitidine products are linked to deadly cancers.
With a Zantac lawyer handling your case, you do not have to worry about the legalese and technical procedures. Your attorney will make sure your case and filings comply with all court mandates and fight to get you the settlement you deserve.
Contact The Denson Firm today for more information on Zantac cancer lawsuits and a free case evaluation!