Zantac and Ranitidine Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA

What Do We Know About the Zantac Lawsuits?

Here are the facts so far:

The FDA reported that Zantac, generic name ranitidine, contains a potentially cancer-causing substance called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)*.

*FDA Statement 9/13/19: Ranitidine medicines (such as Zantac®) contain NDMA, a probable human carcinogen, based on results from laboratory tests.

Lawsuits allege that drug makers Sanofi and Boerhringer Ingelheim manufactured and marketed ranitidine products—including Zantac—even though they knew, or should have known, the products were contaminated with a probable carcinogen.

Officials are still investigating how the drugs became contaminated with NDMA.

If you or a loved one took Zantac or any other ranitidine product and have these or another type of cancer, you could have a legal claim.

There are time limits to file Zantac lawsuits, so it's best to act as quickly as possible. We're available 24/7 and our legal consultations are free. You can contact our Pittsburgh attorneys at 1-833-833-9507.

Is Ranitidine Linked to Cancer?

Research has confirmed that certain ranitidine products, including Zantac, are contaminated with NDMA. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have both identified NDMA as a probable carcinogen.

This means that products like Zantac that contain NDMA could cause cancer. The Zantac cancer risk is even higher if the medication is ingested over long periods of time at high doses.

Valisure, an online pharmacy that tests all of its products, found NDMA levels in ranitidine pills in excess of 3,000,000 ng per tablet. The FDA's allowed daily intake of NDMA is 96 ng.

The FDA conducted its own tests on Zantac and generic versions of ranitidine and found "low levels" of NDMA, though they too exceeded the agency's daily limits.

What Kind of Cancer Does Zantac Cause?

The NDMA found in ranitidine is a type of nitrosamine, which are chemical compounds that are typically carcinogenic. Nitrosamines can cause tumors in the liver and other organs in lab animals. NDMA is classified as a probable carcinogen in humans, and it may cause cancer after exposure over extended periods of time, increasing the risk of liver, kidney, and lung tumors in particular.

In addition to potentially causing cancer, NDMA can also cause liver damage, even with short-term exposure.

If you are wondering if you have a ranitidine lawsuit, don't try to figure it out on your own. Let our attorneys answer that question for you. Our phones answer 24/7 at 1-833-833-9507.

Why is Zantac Being Recalled?

So far, the FDA has announced two voluntary recalls of ranitidine due to NDMA contamination:

• Amneal recalled prescription ranitidine hydrochloride tablets and ranitidine syrup because they "contain unacceptable levels" of NDMA.
• American Health Packaging recalled eight lots of ranitidine syrup manufactured by Lannett Company.

Valisure, the company that originally detected the NDMA contamination, has petitioned the FDA to issue a widespread recall.

The FDA has advised that:

• Companies recall ranitidine if testing shows NDMA levels above the allowable threshold.
• Patients taking prescription ranitidine who want to stop should talk to their healthcare provider.
• People taking over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine can consider using other OTC products as Zantac/ranitidine alternatives. Other medications like Pepcid, Nexium, and Prevacid have shown no NDMA in tests.

Canada, France, Austria and other countries have recalled all forms of ranitidine. Many drugstore chains, such as CVS and Walgreens, have pulled ranitidine products from their shelves.

What is the Cancer-Causing Agent in Ranitidine?

The potential cancer-causing agent in ranitidine is N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA.

NDMA is a chemical that is found in both industrial and natural processes (for example, it can be formed during the treatment of wastewater with chlorine, but it can also be formed when soil bacteria synthesize various substances). It is in water, soil, some cosmetics, food products such as meat and dairy, and more.

Valisure chemists think that the NDMA was formed by the molecule ranitidine reacting with something—either during the manufacturing process, during storage, or in the finished dosage form.

In low levels, NDMA should not present a risk to human health. But at higher levels, or consumed over a long period of time, it can have carcinogenic effects.

Last year, NDMA contamination was found in blood pressure and heart failure medications called Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). The FDA recommended numerous ARB recalls in response.

Zantac and Ranitidine Class Action Lawsuit

Class action lawsuits have been filed against Zantac; manufacturers stating that a carcinogen known as NDMA has been found in the medicine. Exposure to NDMA can cause liver damage and even cancer. The first lawsuits claim that the manufacturers made and sold a product that contained concerning levels of NDMA knowingly.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Zantac Lawyer?

Hiring an attorney from Edgar Snyder & Associates will cost you nothing unless and until we win your claim. Even your initial consultation is free.

At Edgar Snyder & Associates, we’re in your corner, and we have over 35 years of experience to help you. We start building your case right away, and we won’t quit until we get the money you deserve. Remember, there is never a fee unless we get money for you.

Contact a Zantac and Ranitidine Lawyer in Pittsburgh Today

Finding the right Zantac lawyer can make all the difference in your case. Our firm has the experience, resources, and knowledge necessary to help you decide what your next steps should be.

Zantac cancer lawsuits are complicated. They involve many moving parts—from drug manufacturers to medical records to expert witnesses. Leave those concerns to an experienced Zantac attorney right here in Pittsburgh. Your only job should be focusing on your health.

You can contact us by phone at 1-833-833-9507, chat, or the form at the top of the page. Our legal consultations are free and come with no obligations to use our services.

And, "There's never a fee unless we get money for you." That means that unless and until your case is successful, you don't owe us a dime.