Zantac
What is Zantac?
Zantac was once the top selling antacid medications in the world. It is available in both prescription and over the counter forms.
FDA Discovers Carcinogen in Zantac
The U.S. FDA reported on September 13, 2019 that it had discovered the carcinogenic contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Zantac (ranitidine). Zantac is common heartburn medication available in both prescription and over-the-counter versions.
The FDA advisory stated that the level of contamination is “low”; however, the levels the agency called low have been found to be between 3,000 and 26,000 times higher than what the FDA had determined to be “safe.” On April 1, 2020, the FDA announced that it was requesting manufacturers to withdraw all Zantac and generic Zantac OTC ranitidine drugs from the market effective immediately.
First Zantac Lawsuit
The first Zantac lawsuit was filed in California the same day FDA issued its advisory. Plaintiffs in Zantac lawsuits accuse drug makers Sanofi and Boerhringer Ingelheim of manufacturing, marketing, and selling a product they knew or should have known had been contaminated with an industrial chemical known to cause cancer.
Investigating the Cause of NDMA Contamination
The exact cause of the NDMA contamination is still under investigation. Nevertheless, during the period in which Boerhinger Ingelheim and Sanofi manufactured and marketed Zantac, scientific research demonstrated a clear link between ranitidine – the active ingredient listed in Zantac – and NDMA. The research showed that when ranitidine comes into contact with water, the resultant chemical reaction creates NDMA.
Despite knowing this cancer cocktail was formed, the drug makers chose to hide that fact from the government and consumers.
What is NDMA?
NDMA is used in aviation for rocket fuel and industrial lubricants. NDMA is also a by-product of several industrial processes, including gasoline refining and wastewater treatment. NDMA is also used to induce carcinogenesis in laboratory rats for cancer research. NDMA can also be found in several food products such as cured meats. It’s also released in tobacco fumes. NDMA does not, however, appear to accumulate in tissues.
NDMA is Extremely Hazardous
NDMA is classified as “extremely hazardous,” under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA). Stringent reporting requirements, therefore, are supposed to guide companies and individuals who produce, store, or use NDMA in large quantities.
If you or someone you love took Zantac and then developed cancer, contact our law firm today for a free legal consultation regarding a potential Zantac lawsuit.