Zantac belongs to a group of medications known as histamine-2 blockers. These drugs reduce acid production in the stomach for those diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger Ellison syndrome, and other conditions causing heartburn and ulcers. The generic name for Zantac is ranitidine. Studies have shown that Zantac breaks down into a known high-risk cancer-causing agent, NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethyllamine). In addition to cancer, Zantac is associated with multiple long-term health conditions such as Crohn’s Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension. The risks to consumers increase when the drug is used over time, causing a cumulative effect, or if it is stored at high temperatures.
Lawsuits are Being Filed against the Manufacturers of Zantac
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm has decades of experience, successfully representing injured plaintiffs due to defective drugs and medical devices. You might qualify for legal action if you developed cancer after taking this medication. Let us fight to recover the compensation you need for your recovery.
History of Zantac
Prescription Zantac was first introduced and distributed in the United States in 1983 by the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Holdings, Ltd. It was one of the most popular and best-selling drugs in pharmaceutical history and the first drug to reach one billion dollars in annual sales. Other companies that distributed Zantac and its generic brand in the United States include Sanofi SA, Johnson & Johnson, Boehringer, Novartis AG, Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, and other drug makers. In 2004, Pfizer gained approval from the Food and Drug Administration to sell the drug over the counter.
Independent Laboratory Studies
Early in 2019, Valisure discovered that Zantac contained excessive levels of NMDA. In a petition, they reported their findings to the FDA in July 2019. The FDA did not issue a recall at that time, citing a lack of research. However, by September, American retailers started to pull Zantac and generic ranitidine products from their shelves. In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration requested that all Zantac and ranitidine products stop being distributed and sold in the United States.
History of Litigation
A Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) was formed by the Judicial Panel of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on February 6, 2020, regarding the heartburn medication Zantac. This product liability litigation concerns the active ingredient, ranitidine. The cases are being consolidated and heard before U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg.
Zantac has affected countless consumers who used this product. The lawsuit alleges that the pharmaceutical companies were aware of the hazards of this drug and failed to warn consumers. Currently, there are over 2,000 active lawsuits filed, and thousands more have come forward who have registered claims. The MDL bellwether test trials are on track to begin this October, after nearly four years of pretrial discovery. The first federal MDL Zantac trial is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023.
Generic Zantac has been excluded from the federal MDL.As of August 24, 2022, three pharmaceutical companies that sold generic ranitidine have agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a lawsuit in Illinois to avoid a trial. This settlement indicates what to expect in the upcoming Zantac MDL bellwether trials. Other generic ranitidine lawsuits are scheduled for trial in California in 2023.
Criteria to Consider when Filing a Claim:
- How long did you use prescription or over the counter Zantac?
- Have you been diagnosed with cancer?
- Do you have evidence of taking Zantac, such as medical records, pharmacy records, receipts, or prescription drug bottles?
- Do you have any associated pre-existing medical conditions?
- Is there a family history of cancer?
- What has been the financial and psychological impact of your illness?
Qualifying Cancer Diagnoses
The specific cancers named in the MDL lawsuit are stomach, esophageal, bladder, liver, and pancreatic cancers caused by NDMA exposure. However, the judge ruled in July 2022 that the MDL has not excluded other forms of cancer.
Statute of Limitations
If you or a loved one has been a victim of the harmful drug Zantac, it is urgent to contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. The statute of limitations to file a product liability lawsuit against a manufacturer differs from state to state. After your state’s statute of limitations has expired, you may be barred from financial recovery. However, some exceptions may extend the deadline to file a claim.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm Seeks Justice
Cancer is a painful and potentially lethal condition that affects the victim and their family. The impacts of this disease include significant financial losses and psychological trauma. At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, we are passionate about holding those accountable that cause the pain and suffering of others through negligent or malicious acts.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm is a nationwide, complex litigation legal team. We fight on behalf of our clients for compensation such as the cost of medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earnings, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us for a Free Consultation at (888) 585-5970 to schedule an appointment in our Winter Park, Florida office. We can assess your claim regarding the eligibility criteria. Our legal team will guide you and be your voice every step of the way.
Sources:
“Zantac,” Drugs.com, Medically Reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm, Last updated May 30, 2022, accessed August 25, 2022.
https://www.drugs.com/zantac.html
“FDA Requests Removal of All Ranitidine Products (Zantac) from the Market,” U.S. Food & Drug Administration, April 1, 2020, accessed August 26, 2022.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-requests-removal-all-
