Have you been taking heartburn medications for a long time? You might have developed a risk of cancer. Popular heartburn medication brands like Zantac are linked with cancer. But how? And what can you do about it?
If you are new to this information or have been thinking of filing a lawsuit, this article can provide you with exactly what you need to know. Learn about the health risks involved, eligibility criteria, and legal help you can get from a Zantac lawsuit lawyer.
What happened with Zantac?
The heartburn medicine ranitidine is used by millions of people worldwide. This medicine is sold under both prescription and over-the-counter non-prescription forms under various brands. Zantac is one such brand that sells ranitidine.
In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported the discovery of NDMA, a carcinogenic contaminant, in Zantac. It was discovered that when the active ingredient of ranitidine breaks down, it releases a carcinogenic chemical compound known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The first Zantac lawsuit was filed in California in 2019. In April 2020, the FDA issued a formal announcement to Zantac to discontinue the medicine and remove the products from existing and upcoming supply chains.
Zantac is blamed for failing to warn consumers about the medicine’s consequences, potential health impacts, and available remedies. No formal instructions or warnings were provided to doctors and consumers, indicating manufacturing negligence on their part.
What Type of Cancers are Linked with Zantac?
Medical experts and research scientists continue to gather information on this developing problem. Individuals might develop more than one type of cancer. Here are the major types of cancers linked with Zantac use:
- Bladder Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Prostrate Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer or Colon Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Intestinal Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Several malignant tumors in humans
| Cancer Type |
|---|
| Bladder Cancer |
| Esophageal Cancer |
| Stomach Cancer |
| Prostrate Cancer |
| Ovarian Cancer |
| Colorectal Cancer or Colon Cancer |
| Kidney Cancer |
| Intestinal Cancer |
| Pancreatic Cancer |
| Liver Cancer |
| Several malignant tumors in humans |
What Other Health Risks are Linked with Zantac?
If you or a loved one had been exposed to NDMA, you might experience other health problems as well. One might experience health issues such as:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Jaundice
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- An enlarged liver
- Reduced function of the liver, lungs, or kidneys, and dizziness.
The side effects closely associated with Zantac include:
- Arrhythmia or tachycardia (irregular heart rate)
- Disorders of the nervous system
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Jaundice, hepatitis, or liver failure
- Pneumonia
- Low platelet counts in the blood
- Skin rashes and hair loss
| Health Issues After NDMA Exposure | Zantac Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Fever | Arrhythmia or tachycardia (irregular heart rate) |
| Headaches | Disorders of the nervous system |
| Nausea | Vitamin B12 deficiency |
| Jaundice | Jaundice, hepatitis, or liver failure |
| Abdominal cramps | Pneumonia |
| Vomiting | Low platelet counts in the blood |
| An enlarged liver | Skin rashes and hair loss |
| Reduced function of the liver, lungs, or kidneys, and dizziness. | — |
What are the Eligibility Criteria to File a Lawsuit?
Like most mass torts, a Zantac lawsuit has certain eligibility requirements. Your eligibility criteria can be determined by:
- You used Zantac (ranitidine), either by prescription or over the counter.
- You took Zantac regularly or for an extended period.
- You were later diagnosed with a qualifying cancer, such as bladder, stomach, liver, pancreatic, kidney, or colorectal cancer.
- You can provide evidence of Zantac use through pharmacy records, medical records, receipts, or other documentation.
- Your diagnosis occurred after using Zantac and may be linked to NDMA exposure.
- Your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations in your state.
| Eligibility Criteria to File a Lawsuit |
|---|
| You used Zantac (ranitidine), either by prescription or over the counter. |
| You took Zantac regularly or for an extended period. |
| You were later diagnosed with a qualifying cancer, such as bladder, stomach, liver, pancreatic, kidney, or colorectal cancer. |
| You can provide evidence of Zantac use through pharmacy records, medical records, receipts, or other documentation. |
| Your diagnosis occurred after using Zantac and may be linked to NDMA exposure. |
| Your claim is filed within the applicable statute of limitations in your state. |
What can I receive from a Zantac Lawsuit?
Many claimants ask what compensation amount or type they can receive from a lawsuit. Note that Zantac lawsuits are currently ongoing in the country, and no final amount has been settled.
The following factors can influence your Zantac settlement payout:
- Type of Cancer Diagnosed: More severe cancers and those with stronger scientific evidence linking them to Zantac may result in higher compensation.
- Extent of Zantac Use: The duration, frequency, and dosage of ranitidine use can impact the strength and value of a claim.
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for treatment, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care are important factors.
- Lost Income and Earning Capacity: Compensation may include wages lost during treatment and any long-term reduction in earning ability.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life can significantly affect the value of a case.
- Age and Overall Health: Individual circumstances, including age at diagnosis and prognosis, may influence the extent of damage.
More Related Questions
When will Zantac lawsuit be settled?
Many people are waiting for answers about the future of the Zantac litigation. Learn When will Zantac lawsuit be settled & what factors could impact settlement timelines and what legal experts expect as these cases continue to move through the courts.
How do you prove you used Zantac?
Proof of Zantac use can play an important role in a potential claim. Discover the types of records and documentation that may help support your case and strengthen your eligibility.
Who is eligible to file a claim in the ongoing litigation involving the popular heartburn drug?
Not everyone affected by Zantac complications may qualify for legal action. Find out who may be eligible to file a heartburn drug claim and what requirements could apply to current and future lawsuits.
Get Legal Help from People for Law
Want to file a Zantac lawsuit? People for Law can help. People for Law functions as the top Legal Networking Firm in the United States. We thoroughly evaluate your case and match you with a lawyer who fits your specific needs. If our attorney decides to take on your case, we’ll establish direct contact between you and our attorneys.
Don’t worry about a hefty legal cost. Our Zantac lawsuit lawyers work on a Contingency Basis, which means you only pay after your attorney wins your case.
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