The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently released a statement confirming that Zantac, a popular heartburn medication, was contaminated with a carcinogenic substance. FDA tests found small amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, in brand-name and generic versions of the drug, posing a risk to countless consumers.
Although the FDA says the amounts of cancer-causing materials in the drug are small, patients and doctors throughout the U.S. eagerly await additional information regarding the true risks involved. To learn more about the carcinogenic link to Zantac, read below.
About Ranitidine/Zantac
Zantac, or ranitidine, as it’s called in its generic form, is sold as both an over-the-counter and prescription drug. Ranitidine medications are typically used to treat heartburn, ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other similar stomach issues. After conducting a test on ranitidine medications, the FDA discovered small amounts of NDMA in the generic and brand name variations of the medication.
NDMA: What’s the Risk?
The news of the ranitidine contamination comes on the heels of the recent contamination of several brands of blood pressure and heart failure medications. As with the Zantac case, the blood pressure medicines also contained small amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine, NDMA. In lab tests, NDMA was confirmed as a probable carcinogen, which means it can increase the consumers’ risk of developing certain cancers.
According to the FDA, the amount of NDMA found in ranitidine samples was small, though further investigation and research is needed to determine the full health risks involved. Unfortunately, the FDA and Zantac manufacturers have still not issued a recall for the contaminated medication, and unaware consumers are continuing to expose themselves to this risk.
Know Your Legal Options
The FDA claims NDMA is only dangerous when ingested in large quantities, yet some patients have been taking Zantac for prolonged periods of time to treat ongoing stomach issues. Because the full extent of the contamination, and the resulting health effects, are yet unclear, it’s extremely important for consumers who have taken Zantac to be vigilant and proactive. As we all know, cancer is a deadly, aggressive disease, and proactive scans and treatment are the best possible treatment.
If you or someone you love was diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac, make sure you know your legal options.
Do you have a Zantac injury claim? Contact our attorneys at McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP today to schedule a free consultation.