FDA Recalls Zantac on April 1, 2020
Trial-Tested Attorneys Helping the Inland Empire for 30+ Years
The FDA recently recalled all prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine drugs, known by the brand name Zantac, commonly used to combat heartburn and other stomach ailments. The recall follows the FDA’s investigation and a discovery of cancer-causing contaminant in ranitidine, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Levels of this contaminant increased over time when stored at higher-than-normal temperatures, putting countless consumers at risk of developing certain cancers. Alongside the FDA’s request to manufacturers that they pull all ranitidine drugs, consumers have been advised to cease further consumption of ranitidine tables or liquid medications.
If you or someone you love developed cancer after using Zantac, or another form of ranitidine, our attorneys at McCune Law Group with offices throughout San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange counties are here to help. With a history of recovery over $1 billion on behalf of clients, and with over 100 verdicts or settlements over $1 million, including a trial verdict against Wells Fargo for $203 million, our firm is prepared to advocate on behalf of those harmed by these dangerous ranitidine contaminations.
Zealous Legal Representation You Can Count On
At McCune Law Group, our team of attorneys has the trial experience and the legal knowledge necessary to help you win your case. We’ve handled many product and drug cases and know the legal issues associated with mass torts. All the attorneys at McCune Law Group are experienced in dangerous product cases, and for the last 25 years senior partner Richard McCune has been part of the leading attorneys fighting fortune 500 companies responsible for selling dangerous products and prescription drugs. If you were harmed by a dangerous drug, we want to help bring the pharmaceutical company to justice.
Call (909) 345-8110 today to schedule free, confidential consultation with our Zantac dangerous drug attorneys.
About the Ranitidine Contamination
Ranitidine first hit the markets in 1981 and was sold under the popular brand name ‘Zantac,’ among several other generic names. The components in ranitidine decrease the production of stomach acids, which render it particularly effective in the treatment of common heartburn. Ranitidine is also used to treat stomach ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger–Ellison syndrome, and other similar intestinal issues. In its most common form, these medications are administered in pill form, though they can also be injected by a medical professional. Unfortunately, the FDA discovered a contaminant affecting many ranitidine medicines with the carcinogenic impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine.
The FDA’s Investigation
On September 13, 2019, the Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Janet Woodcock, released a statement to alert healthcare professionals and consumers of carcinogenic impurities found in ranitidine medicines. According to their lab tests, the medications they analyzed only contained small amounts of the cancer-causing agent, though they will continue to perform tests in order to determine “whether the low levels of NDMA in ranitidine pose a risk to patients.”
On April 1, 2020, the Woodcock released another statement announcing the recall of all ranitidine medications. “We didn’t observe unacceptable levels of NDMA in many of the samples that we tested. However, since we don’t know how or for how long the product might have been stored, we decided that it should not be available to consumers and patients unless its quality can be assured.”
Potential Side Effects of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)
According to the FDA, NDMA is determined to be carcinogenic, which means it could cause cancer. However, the FDA’s research also says that NDMA is only likely to increase the consumer’s risk of developing certain cancers in large quantities, and only small quantities were found in Zantac products. However, few studies have been analyzed the long-term risks associated with NDMA exposure. Additionally, this recent discovery comes relatively soon after another category of drugs—those used for blood pressure and heart problems—were discovered with small amounts of NDMA as well.
Do You Have a Claim? Contact Our Attorneys Today
When a serious drug contamination or impurity is discovered, it is extremely important for all involved to pay special attention to the resulting damages—especially as they pertain to patients and victims. At this point in time, the FDA has not confirmed that NDMA contamination will result in serious side effects for Zantac users, but the impurity has been confirmed as a cancer-causing substance. If you took Zantac and you have since been diagnosed with cancer, make sure you discuss your concerns with your doctor— and an attorney like McCune Law Group that is experienced in litigating against the drug companies.
Our attorneys are prepared to advocate on behalf of the wrongfully injured. Our firm can help determine whether your condition was caused by Zantac or another ranitidine drug, and we can use our ample resources to build a solid case in your favor. We know how hard it is to face a serious illness, especially when that illness could have been prevented. If you think you have a case, we want to hear from you.
Contact McCune Law Group to discuss your case with our Zantac injury attorneys.