Zantac, the popular heartburn medication has recently been recalled due to increased cancer risk. However, medical professionals have been warning against the dangers for decades. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the manufacturer of Zantac even responded to these accusations, yet did nothing to warn consumers.
About Zantac Cancer
On September 13, 2019, the FDA reported the discovery of the carcinogenic contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Zantac (ranitidine). Zantac is a common heartburn medication available in both prescription and over-the-counter versions. The FDA says the levels are low, however, researchers found the numbers to be almost 30,000 times higher than safe doses. Multiple studies from various sources have said that the body turns the active molecule in Zantac, ranitidine, into NDMA.
GSK Knew Cancer Risk Since the 80s
In 1981, Dr. De Flora published a letter in the Lancet journal detailing their findings that ranitidine became more potent when exposed to the stomach. The letter warned about nitrites and ranitidine, and how it could turn ranitidine unstable. GSK responded to the article and criticized the researcher. The company admitted that ranitidine can lead to NDMA, but insisted that no one would have the levels of nitrites in the body to make this a problem.
However, during this time GSK was performing their own study into gastric flora and the effects with ranitidine. If a subject took the medication for longer than a month, the body produces higher nitrites in the stomach since the chemical compound kills off all the bacteria in the stomach that prevents the forming of nitrites. Therefore, they knew that prolonged use of Zantac could cause NDMA!
Types of Zantac Cancer
The different cancers tied to Zantac use are:
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon and rectal cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Uterine cancer
Cancers can form after as little as 6 months of use.
Free Consultation
Therefore, if you have experienced stomach, bladder, kidney, pancreatic or colon cancer after taking Zantac for a year, you may be eligible for compensation to offset your financial, physical and emotional burdens. Contact us today to set up a free consultation during which we will listen to your story and discuss your legal rights and options. If you choose us to represent you, we will work with you on a contingency fee basis; this means you pay nothing until we have secured compensation for you, either through a jury verdict or settlement.
