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Zantac Mass Tort Lawsuit Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale, FL
On September 13, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration announced that some medicines used for the treatment of heartburn, including the drug known as Zantac, and generic versions of the drug known as ranitidine, contain, in low levels, a substance known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance has been recognized as a potential human carcinogen. The FDA has asked that Zantac and other companies that make heartburn medicine test their products to see if they contain NDMA. The FDA is trying to learn why these medicines contain NDMA. However, it is suspected that heartburn medication may have contained this substance for some time. Harvard Health Publishing reported that major drug stores are taking Zantac and generic versions of heartburn medication off the shelves. Novartis/Sandoz and Apotex have recalled their heartburn medications.
What does all this mean if you take heartburn medication or have taken heartburn medication in the past? What can you do if you have taken Zantac regularly or if you have a family member who regularly takes Zantac? Have you developed cancer and believe it could be linked to your intake of Zantac? First of all, it is important to note that as the FDA investigates this situation, it isn’t calling for people to stop taking heartburn medication. Individuals with concerns should speak to their doctor. If you have been taking heartburn medication for some time or regularly take this medication, now might be a good time to speak to your doctor about your options and alternatives.
Madalon Law is a Zantac mass tort law firm currently taking cases from individuals who have regularly taken Zantac medication. It is predicted that companies who make this heartburn medication might face lawsuits in the future. Do you have a case? Madalon Law can review your situation and help you understand the next steps.
Carcinogen in Zantac: What is NDMA?
NDMA is a contaminant that is known to potentially cause cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, NDMA was used in the past for rocket fuel, but the chemical has been discontinued after high amounts of the substance were detected in the environment. Today NDMA is only used for research purposes, but it can also be released into the environment due to industrial pollution stemming from certain types of manufacturing. NDMA is also a byproduct of the chlorination of drinking water and wastewater. It isn’t entirely clear how Zantac and other heartburn products became contaminated with NDMA, but the FDA is conducting an investigation. NDMA generally causes cancer only after high exposure or after exposure for a long period of time. Have you been taking heartburn medication for some time? Do you have cancer or do you have a family member who has cancer? You may be able to join a growing number of people considering pursuing a lawsuit against the makers of Zantac.
The Zantac mass tort lawyers at Madalon Law may be able to assist you with your case. Contact us today for a case review and to learn more about the next steps you may be able to take. It is predicted that many families and individuals may soon pursue class action lawsuits against the makers of these kinds of heartburn drugs.
Should You Be Worried if You Take Heartburn Medication or Have Taken Heartburn Medication?
These are the facts. The makers of Zantac and a half dozen makers of a generic version of the drug have pulled the medicine from the shelves. The Food and Drug Administration has found unacceptable levels of NDMA, which a potential carcinogen in Zantac and its generic versions. (According to USA Today, researchers found that NDMA levels were 3,100 times the FDA’s permitted daily threshold.) The FDA has also recommended that individuals who want to treat their heartburn find alternative medications while the FDA investigates the presence of this potential carcinogen in Zantac and generic versions, ranitidine. According to USA Today, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center are investigating the kinds of cancer risk that Zantac might cause.
Alarmingly, USA Today reports that NDMA may have been a substance that has occurred in the drug since the 1980s. This may be a situation where patients who have taken this drug long-term might have faced long-term exposure. Unlike other drugs where NDMA has been found present, like blood pressure lowering medications (where the issue stemmed from recent manufacturing processes), this substance might have been present in Zantac for quite some time. It is believed that some aspect of the manufacturing process might be leading to the formation of the chemical. Studies have indicated that as early as 1987, there may have been knowledge about the risk.
Have you been taking Zantac or ranitidine? Have you gone on to develop cancer? You may have the right to join a growing number of people considering pursuing lawsuits against these drug manufacturers. Madalon Law is a Zantac lawsuit law firm that may be able to assist you. We can review your situation and help you understand your rights and the next steps.
Cancer Risk and Zantac Intake
Various studies looking into the risk of developing cancer and Zantac intake have found that the risk of developing certain kinds of cancers are moderately increased after ingesting substances with NDMA. One study found that individuals who took in high levels of NDMA had a higher risk of developing gastric cancer, while another study found that NDMA intake could be linked to pancreatic cancer. However, researchers are continuing to study the link between intake of this drug and the development of cancer. Early studies show a moderate to low risk.
Have you developed pancreatic or gastric cancer? Did you regularly take Zantac and its generic versions? The Zantac lawsuit lawyers at Madalon Law may be able to help you. Our firm is currently taking cases from individuals who regularly took heartburn medication who then went on to develop cancer. It is predicted that many individuals and families might pursue mass tort lawsuits against the makers of Zantac and the makers of the generic version of the drug. Have questions? Reach out to Madalon Law today. Our Zantac lawsuit lawyers are here to help.