In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received reports alleging low levels of n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) found in Zantac, a popular heartburn medication. According to the FDA, NDMA is a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer).
In April 2020, the FDA requested the immediate removal of Zantac from the U.S. market and discontinued existing prescriptions and over-the-counter use.
If you or someone you care about has used Zantac in the past and has been diagnosed with cancer, compensation may be available.
Contact the injury lawyers at Whitener Law Firm for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation. Call 505-883-RUSS or contact us online.
Zantac Tests Positive for Impurity
Zantac is a well-known antacid and antihistamine sold at millions of retailers around the world. Zantac was available over-the-counter to prevent heartburn, and prescription strength Zantac has been used to treat or prevent more serious conditions like stomach ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Common Zantac products you might have used include:
- Zantac 150 Tablets
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
- Zantac 75 Tablets
- Wal-Zan 150
- Wal-Zan 75
In 2019, preliminary tests found low levels of NDMA in generic Zantac products sold in the U.S. NDMA is an environmental contaminant that’s commonly found at low levels in food and water we ingest. According to reports, low levels of NDMA have not been proven dangerous.
However, recent studies suggest that the impurity level in some Zantac products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures.
In response to news of the contamination, several countries have either banned or stopped shipments of Zantac including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
Zantac Linked to Cancer
NDMA may be dangerous at sustained, higher levels and may lead to an increased risk of cancer—for individuals who took Zantac fairly regularly, this should be alarming.
Cancers associated with Zantac include, but are not limited to:
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Cancer in the small and large intestine
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The FDA urges individuals to discard Zantac if found at home and to talk to a physician about alternative medications to treat heartburn.
Have You Used Zantac? We Can Help!
Since the FDA’s announcement in April, several generic drug makers have voluntarily recalled their Zantac products and many are offering refunds to concerned consumers.
Depending on the individual case, individuals who took Zantac may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers or the manufacturers of similar drugs.
If you or someone you care about has used Zantac and has been diagnosed with cancer, call Whitener Law Firm at 505-883-RUSS.
At Whitener Law Firm, you’ll find a team of experienced injury lawyers who are well known for providing high-quality representation that is delivered with honesty.
Get your questions answered today! Call 505-883-RUSS for a free, no-obligation consultation or complete this form online to get started now.