Does Zantac Really Cause Cancer?

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Does Zantac Really Cause Cancer?

Since the fall of 2019, Zantac has been linked to various types of cancers. If you took Zantac or ranitidine and received a cancer diagnosis, you could have a valid personal injury claim. It’s best to speak with a Zantac attorney about your possible claim.  

Ranitidine, also known by the brand name Zantac has been a popular prescription and over the counter (OTC) medication to treat heartburn for nearly four decades. Since its introduction in the early 1980s, Zantac has helped millions of heartburn sufferers escape this painful condition. Little did some of these patients and their families know that Zantac’s manufacturers were hiding a secret; that Zantac could contain a carcinogen. If you or someone you love found this out the hard way, do not hesitate to seek the help of a seasoned Zantac attorney.

How Does Zantac Cause Cancer?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in October of 2019 that Zantac and certain other generic preparations of ranitidine can potentially be contaminated with NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) – a dangerous chemical that potentially causes cancer. Unstable storage temps or even combining with stomach acids can make NDMA levels higher, and therefore, more dangerous.

NDMA is a semi-volatile organic chemical that is known to cause liver cancer and cancer to other organs. Liver damage can result from exposure to even minimal amounts. NDMA is classified as an environmental contaminant and is often found in drinking water, meat, dairy, and vegetables. NDMA is classified as a B2 probable human carcinogen. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to high levels of NDMA is linked to gastric and colorectal cancer. This chemical is so carcinogenic that it has also been used to create cancer in lab rats for testing.

The link between NDMA and cancer is so strong that in April of 2020, all brands and preparations of ranitidine were removed from the market. Any patients still having some at home were instructed to stop taking them immediately.

Types of Cancer Caused by Zantac

Research studies are currently underway to determine what types of cancers could be caused by Zantac. We do not entirely know what cancers NDMA-contaminated Zantac have or could cause, but the following cancers could potentially be caused by Zantac:

1. Colorectal
2. Esophageal
3. Kidney
4. Intestinal
5. Liver
6. Pancreatic
7. Stomach
8. Ovarian
9. Uterine
10. Brain
11. Breast
12. Throat/nasal
13. Thyroid
14. Prostate
15. Testicular
16. Bladder
17. Lung
18. Leukemia
19. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
20. Multiple myeloma

Were You Diagnosed with Cancer after Taking Zantac? A Zantac Lawyer is Waiting to Speak to You

Taking medication to help with pain and discomfort, only to later learn that it caused you to have a life-threatening condition, can feel extremely violating. If this happened to you or a loved one, you have legal rights you should be aware of.  We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. You can receive a free no-obligation consultation with compassionate Zantac attorneys at Malman Law today. Call (312) 629-0099 or use our online contact form. This is the first step in getting the help you need.