How Do You Know if You Have a Zantac Claim?

Monday, May 17, 2021

How Do You Know if You Have a Zantac Claim?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Zantac is a previously commonly used over-the-counter and prescription medication, ranitidine, for heartburn and other issues. It was manufactured by several drug companies and was connected to cancer diagnoses. If you took Zantac on a regular basis for a significant amount of time, you could have a Zantac legal claim. 

Suppose you suffered an injury, illness, or damages after taking Zantac or ranitidine. In that case, you may want to pursue your legal rights. The most common problem with Zantac is its link to cancer due to the presence of NTDMA. This known carcinogen has been found in many samples of the drug. Zantac can also contain NTDMA if it’s not kept at stable temperatures, combines with stomach acid, or is on the shelf for a long time. If you or someone you love took Zantac or ranitidine in the past, you might be wondering if you have a Zantac claim. While it’s best to meet with an experienced Chicago Zantac lawyer to discuss any legal claim you might have, here are some tips.

Proof of Taking Zantac for a Significant Time

Do you have some way to prove that you took Zantac? Even though you might have taken this drug many years ago, you still must show proof of use. If you were prescribed Zantac, your use could be traced through doctor and pharmacy records. If you took over-the-counter Zantac, your claim might be a bit more of a challenge. However, your Chicago Zantac attorney might be able to find evidence in receipts, notes in your medical records, and even statements from the people who live with you.

You will also need to show that you didn’t just take Zantac here or there. There needs to be proof that you used it over time. There are no real hard or fast rules about how long an injured party must have taken the drug to have a claim. Since these cases are in early litigation, the requirements can change over time. For now, it’s suggested that victims provide proof that they took Zantac regularly or about once a day or more for at least three months.

Prove a Related Diagnosis and Latency Period

Next, you’ll need to be able to show that you were injured by taking Zantac. This is typically done by proving a cancer diagnosis. The most common types of cancers linked to Zantac use at this time are primary cancer of the:

1. Digestive tract—such as stomach, small intestine, colorectal, esophageal, liver, bladder, pancreatic
2. Blood— such as leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma

It’s also important to note that you must show a latency period between the first time you took Zantac and the point at which you were diagnosed with cancer. Typically, a minimum of one year is sufficient. Since this might also change, it’s a good idea to hire a Chicago Zantac lawyer who can keep you updated on any changes in the requirements of these lawsuits.

Were You Harmed by Taking Zantac? Reach Out to a Skilled Chicago Zantac Lawyer Today

Suppose you previously took prescription or over-the-counter Zantac and were later diagnosed with cancer or another illness. In that case, it’s time to speak to an attorney. You can receive a no-obligation consultation with the skilled personal injury attorneys at Malman Law. Call (312) 629-0099 today or use our online contact form.