Who is Liable for Zantac Injuries?

Monday, October 12, 2020

Who is Liable for Zantac Injuries?

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

Even though Zantac was on the market for 36 years and brought relief to many heartburn sufferers, it is not without consequences. Zantac manufacturers are liable for the injuries they caused because they failed to remove their drug from the market or warn patients of its risks.

Zantac (ranitidine) was created by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to help reduce acid produced in the stomach. Between 1981 and 2019, this medication was available by prescription and later over-the-counter (OTC). It helped millions of heartburn sufferers control their discomfort. In 1987 it became the world’s biggest-selling prescription drug. Little did Zantac patients know that extended use of this drug could cause cancer. It was recalled between the fall of 2019 and the spring of 2020. If you or someone you love took Zantac for an extended period of time and later received a cancer diagnosis, it’s time to get a knowledgeable Chicago Zantac lawyer on your side. 

What is Liability?

When an individual or an entity does not act in a reasonably prudent manner or, in other words, do what another competent person or party would do, they are said to be liable. For example, a storefront leaving a hole in the ground near their front door would create a liability, as would a driver who fails to stop at a stop sign. When someone sustains an injury under these circumstances, the liable party could be legally obligated to pay for their injuries and damages.

Who is Liable for Zantac Injuries?

GSK and other manufacturers of Zantac and ranitidine are liable for injuries, including cancer injuries in patients who took this drug. Drug manufacturers have a legal and ethical duty to only put medicines on the market tested to be safe. They also have a duty to warn patients when there are risks associated with taking the drug. Anyone who took Zantac for an extended period of time and was later diagnosed with cancer should contact a Chicago Zantac attorney.

Evidence shows that there are many things that Zantac’s manufacturers knew, even in its early years, that should have caused them to either pull the drug off the market or at least place a warning on it. For example:

• There are reports that GSK knew about the risks of taking Zantac as early as 1983 or even before. In 1983, Italian medical studies warned that Zantac should not be taken with certain foods. 
• Zantac was only approved for short-term use when it was first introduced to the market
• Scientists were so concerned about cancer-causing compounds in Zantac in 1978 that they suggested adding Vitamin C to Zantac. Vitamin C could neutralize cancer-causing compounds. However, Vitamin C was never added.

This evidence can help a skilled Chicago Zantac lawyer fight for compensation for those who were injured. 

Reach out to an Experienced Chicago Zantac Lawyer Today 

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the worst types of injuries in a personal case. Anyone in this position deserves to be fairly compensated. We offer free no-obligation consultations to Zantac patients and their families with an experienced Chicago Zantac attorney at Malman Law. Call (312) 629-0099 today or use our online contact form to schedule yours.