The drug is a popular heartburn drug that has been in the news for a while now. It used to be a safe, effective, and harmless drug that brought respite for stomach pain and acid reflux.
Due to contamination of NDMA (a cancer-causing agent), the FDA regards Zantac as a dangerous drug. We have heard about how big stores like Walgreens and CVS stopped selling the drug and have removed the product from their shelves.
In this blog post, we will tell you all you need to know about Zantac, its uses, alternatives, why it was recalled from the market. If you or anyone you know uses this drug and has cancer, contact a San Diego mass tort lawyer who would help you with your case.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name for Ranitidine. Ranitidine belongs to the class of drugs known as Histamine-2 or H2 blockers. It was once one of the best-selling drugs in pharmaceutical history. Before its recall, you could get Zantac by prescription and over the counter.
Zantac works by decreasing the amount of acid that your stomach produces. This is because too much acid leads to conditions such as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Also, too much stomach acid can cause tissues in the esophagus to wear away, which results in sores.
Uses of Zantac
Zantac or Ranitidine was useful for dealing with several problems related to the stomach, esophagus, intestines, etc. Zantac treats ulcers that affect the stomach and the intestines. It was very effective because, apart from treating the ulcers, it prevented them from coming back.
Other internal conditions that people used Zantac for include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Erosive esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
It was also useful for relieving heartburn, cough, stomach pains, etc.
Lawsuits Against Zantac
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in 2020, asked that Zantac be recalled from the market. This is because they found a possible human carcinogen in the drug. A carcinogen is a substance that could cause cancer.
This carcinogen is N-nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA. NDMA is a contaminant that you can find in food and water. Although it is a likely carcinogen, it causes cancer only if there is exposure to high doses over a long period.
Ever since the FDA announced that the cancer-causing NDMA contaminated Zantac, people have been learning about the risks of using the drug. Also, some patients filed lawsuits against the drug and its manufacturers.
Due to the NDMA contamination, FDA has asked manufacturers to stop producing or selling Zantac. They also went on to advise patients to visit their doctors for a thorough checkup.
These checkups show that some Zantac users were diagnosed with cancer after exposure to the drug’s carcinogen.
Those who may qualify for a lawsuit are those who take the drug for a period and have any of the following cancers:
- Bladder cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Liver cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Nasal cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Kidney cancer
Some reports show that manufacturers might have known about the cancer-causing ability of NDMA. However, they did and said nothing about it. Because of this, in a Zantac lawsuit, manufacturers may be held liable for negligence. Plaintiffs who are successful in a negligence claim get compensation for medical bills, financial loss, lost wages, pain, and suffering, etc.
Alternatives to Zantac
With all the information about this drug, you might ask yourself, “What can I use instead of Zantac or Ranitidine?” Some of the best alternatives for this drug include Proton Pump Inhibitor and other H2 blockers. Examples of these substitutes are:
- Esomeprazole (brand name is Nexium)
- Omeprazole (brand name is Prilosec)
- Lansoprazole (brand name is Prevacid)
- Famotidine (brand name is Pepcid)
- Cimetidine (brand name is Tagamet)
Do You Need a Mass Tort Attorney? Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel
A mass tort case is an action or a lawsuit that many people file against corporate organizations. If you were affected by Zantac, your best option would be to file a mass tort lawsuit against the manufacturers. However, you would need the help of an expert San Diego mass tort attorney, who would help you.
The mass tort lawyers at Rueb Stoller Daniel are highly skilled, and they help their clients in and out of the courtroom. Our tort lawyers also ensure that the parties responsible for your pain pay for your damages. On the other hand, you would get your deserved compensation.
At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we show dedication to our clients. We always strive to do what is best for them, and we fight for their rights. We offer a free case evaluation to all our potential clients. Contact us today, and you would be glad you did.
