Zantac is a medication meant for reducing the amount of acid in your stomach and digestive disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the FDA found the drug to have carcinogenic properties hence asked the manufacturers to recall the production. This blog post explains what Zantac is and what to do when you develop cancer upon any exposure to it.
What is Zantac?
Zantac is not a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) but rather an H2 (histamine) antagonist. It works by blocking the action of histamine in the stomach, not by inhibiting the production of stomach acid. Zantac was the first H2 antagonist ever produced, and it is proven to be effective. Zantac 50 contains 50 mg of ranitidine hydrochloride, and Zantac 75 contains 75 mg of ranitidine hydrochloride.
While they contain different amounts of active ingredient (ranitidine), both liquid and chewable versions are available. I prefer the chewable tablets, as they are more convenient to carry around with me.
The main ingredient in Zantac is ranitidine hydrochloride. It is a relatively weak acid blocker and works best when taken regularly (every day). It won’t provide instant relief if you take it after your stomach has already become upset.
What is NDMA?
It stands for N-nitrosodimethylamine, classified as a probable human carcinogen by the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) and FDA due to its link to cancer. Studies show that NDMA causes cancer in patients who used ranitidine.
Zantac Contain NDMA
Suppose you are unfamiliar with this chemical, a group of related substances formed when two common preservatives (BHA and BHT) are exposed to heat. Experts have linked these chemicals to cause cancer in humans and animals. For example, one study showed that rats fed a diet containing BHA and BHT developed bladder cancer.
The concern over N-nitrosodimethylamine first arose after the FDA revealed it had detected trace amounts of this chemical in certain drugs, including Zantac. Generally, Sanofi and other manufacturers are trying to reprocess and test the brand to deal with the NDMA levels raising eyebrows.
What Should You Do After Suffering Due to Zantac
Seek justice if you develop health problems such as kidney cancer due to the use of Zantac. There are lawyers ready to offer a helping hand in the filing of a Zantac kidney cancer lawsuit. This is especially when you have stuck to the FDA guidance on consumption limits. Reliable advocates will help in the gathering of evidence to support the case.
Besides, you may not understand the recent developments in the healthcare sector concerning other ranitidine products, but your legal team will. Many patients are encouraged to contact an attorney immediately after learning about the health damage caused by ranitidine. An experienced lawyer will help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you are compensated for the injuries.
Types of Injuries Linked to Zantac
When you go for a prescription drug, there is no way of knowing what risks may come up. Here are some of the common injuries related to Zantac:
- Kidney Injury
- Liver Injury
- Blood Disorder
- Bladder Cancer
- Leukemia
- Bone Marrow Cancer
- Skin Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Osteosarcoma
If you suffered any of these injuries from taking Zantac, you should not think twice about filing a lawsuit. The compensation will help to cover the medical bills and other related expenses. Besides, it may serve as a reminder for manufacturers to ensure they only market safe products.
Which are the Other Sources of NDMA?
Besides Zantac, other sources of NDMA include:
- Antifreeze (mainly used in automobiles)
- Some types of chemotherapy drugs
- Insulating foam on electrical wires
- May form during processing of metal and plastics
- Cosmetics
- Artificial sweeteners, and food additives
While all these are available to the public, some are not fit for human consumption. But people do come in contact with them every day through food and drinking water. This is why it is vital to consider using products with minimal exposure to potential carcinogens, especially if you are at risk of suffering from cancer or other serious illnesses.
NDMA is a probable human carcinogen that can cause cancer in patients who use ranitidine. If you have been injured due to taking Zantac, it may be best to seek legal assistance in filing a lawsuit related to NDMA exposure.
