Each year, millions of Americans use some form of ranitidine (brand name Zantac) to control symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. Easily available over-the-counter as well as by prescription, this medication has recently come under scrutiny after the FDA discovered traces of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) – a probable human carcinogen.
Although the makers of Zantac and other ranitidine-based drugs have opted to participate in a voluntary recall effort, now retailers have taken additional steps to mitigate the risks for consumers. Last week, major pharmaceutical retailer CVS announced that it would be suspending all sales of Zantac and other ranitidine products until the FDA had concluded its review and investigation.
Of course, CVS isn’t the only major company to halt Zantac sales in the wake of the recent NDMA discovery. Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Walgreens have all pulled ranitidine products from their shelves, even offering refunds for customers who had previously purchased these products.
Is Zantac Likely to Cause Cancer?
NDMA is a known environmental contaminant that has also been classified as a likely human carcinogen, as it routinely causes tumors and cancerous growths to develop in lab animals. With long-term use, products containing NDMA can also cause liver and kidney damage, tumors, lung illnesses, and gastrointestinal ailments. To date, there have been no official reports that Zantac has caused cancer in humans, but the FDA released an official warning about the impurity on September 13, 2019.
This announcement comes after nearly a year of warnings from the FDA, identifying NDMA in common blood pressure medications such as valsartan and losartan. In those instances, the FDA traced the source of NDMA contamination back to two overseas manufacturers: Hetero Labs in India and Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China. While it’s still unclear how NDMA came to contaminate batches of ranitidine, officials think it could be related to overseas manufacturing.
Current Ranitidine Recalls
If you’re currently taking Zantac or any other ranitidine-based medications for heartburn or stomachaches, it’s advised that you review your case with a doctor before switching to a new drug. In the meantime, several manufacturers have chosen to issue voluntary recalls for ranitidine. It’s also expected that more retailers and pharmaceutical vendors will opt to eliminate these drugs from shelves out of liability fears.
The main manufacturers to recall ranitidine include:
- Sanofi (maker of Zantac)
- Novartis
- Apotex Corp.
- Sandoz, Inc.
- GlaxoSmithKline
What Action Can I Take for Zantac Injuries?
If you are a long-term user of Zantac and have recently been diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening condition, it’s possible that NDMA contamination may be at the root of your illness. At Domina Law Group, our defective drug attorneys have the skill and experience to help you uncover the truth of your injuries and pursue legal action when necessary. It’s our goal to help you navigate the process of filing a product liability claim and get the fair compensation you deserve from negligent corporations.
Call (888) 387-4134 today for a free and confidential consultation.