Zantac Lawsuit

A series of recalls were issued after the FDA discovered NDMA in Zantac heartburn medications and other ranitidine medications. The first recall was issued on September 24, 2019, with the FDA notifying patients and physicians of a voluntary recall of 14 separate lots of prescription ranitidine capsules made by Sandoz Inc. In the same month, the FDA notified patients and physicians of a voluntary recall of over-the-counter ranitidine tablets made by Apotex Corp. with labels from Walmart, Walgreens, and Rite-Aid. The agency also listed a testing method to use when regulators examine NDMA found in the drug.

After the first waves of Zantac recalls, the FDA announced testing on ranitidine drugs from various manufacturers to discover health effects on individuals who took the medications. Pharmaceutical manufacturers also began conducting internal testing on their own products and sent the samples for further research to the FDA. 

More Zantac recalls were announced in November 2019, as the American Health Packaging issued a voluntary recall for eight separate lots of its Ranitidine Syrup (150 mg/10mL). Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC also issued a voluntary recall during this time. The company recalled its Ranitidine Syrup (15 mg/mL) and its Ranitidine Tablets in 150 mg and 300 mg doses.

On April 1, 2020, the FDA requested that all Ranitidine products be removed from the market. This request was determined to be necessary after tests by third-party laboratories such as Emery Pharma confirmed that the NDMA levels found in the drug increase over time and in typical storage environments. NDMA levels were also found to significantly increase under high temperatures. 

Below is important information that the FDA has provided regarding the Zantac recall.

• It is not recommended that patients stop taking ranitidine medications.
• Before stopping prescription ranitidine, patients are advised to consult a health care professional.
• There are other approved over-the-counter alternatives to ranitidine.

Zantac has been used nationwide. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that its users may have suffered carcinogen exposure and could be at risk of developing serious side effects.

Serious Side Effects of Zantac

• Coughing up yellow or green mucus
• NDMA exposure
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Bleeding or easy bruising
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Vision problems
• Clay-colored stools
• Dark urine

If you have been diagnosed with one of the following cancers, you may be able to file a Zantac lawsuit:

• Bladder Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Stomach Cancer

People who regularly used ranitidine to prevent ulcers, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at risk of NDMA exposure. If people have used the medication long-term, they are advised to consult their health care provider. Ranitidine medications are only meant for short-term use. Regulatory agencies and the FDA are continuing their examination and research of ranitidine, so more details may be forthcoming.

If you or a loved one developed cancer after using Zantac, or other ranitidine medications, contact The Guardian Legal Network. We can help you find an experienced drug injury lawyer who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.