The incredibly popular heartburn drug known as Zantac has only been on the market since 1983. However, within a few years, it became one of the most-prescribed and popular medications in the world.
Zantac is an effective antacid, and people take it both as a prescription medication and an over-the-counter drug. The generic form of this medication is ranitidine. Millions of people around the world have taken either the brand-name drug Zantac or one of its many generic formulations in the last four decades.
Unfortunately, independent testing of various ranitidine drugs in recent months has found unsafe levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical compound known to be a potential carcinogen. People who have taken the drug for a long time, especially those who ingested pills contaminated with unsafe levels of NDMA may be at increased risk of cancer.
Did you develop cancer with no alternative explanation?
Sometimes cancer develops spontaneously, and other times it has an obvious cause. For example, people exposed to asbestos may develop lung cancer or mesothelioma. Those who use chewing tobacco products have an increased risk of developing cancer in their mouth and throat.
There have not yet been specific cancers correlated with the accidental ingestion of NDMA due to taking Zantac or ranitidine. All that means is that the drug could potentially be a causative factor for many different forms of cancer that you develop with no obvious alternative explanation.
The longer you have taken Zantac or a generic formulation of ranitidine, the greater the potential that it may have played a role in your development of cancer.
Manufacturers creating health products should focus on safety and purity
There are many laws intended to regulate health products and foods in order to make them safe for consumption. Companies that make medicines and other products that people ingest or use on their bodies have an obligation to the public to ensure safety.
Testing formulations before releasing a product to the public and engaging in chemical testing of individual production batches to ensure purity and a high standard of safety are essential practices. Companies who failed to test batches of ranitidine and shipped contaminated drugs to consumers may be liable for the medical consequences of their bad business practices.
Contact Us For A Free Initial Consultation
We are currently reviewing claims throughout Colorado and Wyoming for patients affected by Zantac. Our experienced legal team can determine if you have a claim. Contact us online or call 303-800-3168.