In September 2019, the FDA announced Zantac to be a drug that contained cancer-causing chemicals. Zantac is an anti-acid drug and the cancer-causing chemical is known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The presence of NDMA is said to have compromised the health of Zantac users, with several stating to be battling cancer as a result of the drug. As a result, a major class action against Zantac is currently under-way.
- What is Zantac?
Zantac is a popular brand name of a drug that is called Ranitidine. Ranitidine is taken to manage acid reflux and heartburn.
The drug was first sold in the United States in 1983 and reached a 1 billion mark in sales, with an annual sale of 129 million. Zantac continued to become popular across the globe.
The FDA in NDMA which is the cancer-causing chemical in Zantac, was found in high dosages, dosages that were 3000 – 26000 times the allowed levels. This resulted in an on-going class action as a result of Zantac cancer.
- What Is NDMA
NDMA is a chemical that is found in both industrial and natural processes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the chemical qualifies as a cancer-causing agent. This chemical is a carcinogen because it modifies DNA.
It is this chemical that has set off the chain of events regarding Zantac. The question is why does the drug have NDMA in the first place? The FDA suspects that the drug has NDMA in such levels, may be an ‘impurity’.
The FDA suspects that the original ingredients of the drug are tainted, or that NDMA then creeps in the process of manufacturing. Seeing that these are ongoing investigations and claims, there is conflicting information.
Valisure, which is an online pharmacy in the United States, claims that NDMA is not an impurity and in the correct volumes, is needed in the process of digestion in the body.
These are the pieces of information that one assumes is a part of the ongoing lawsuit processes.
- Zantac Recall
Valisure was the first to make the discovery of the levels of NDMA in Zantac. Having run tests on the drug, the company called it on record leading to a recall of the drugs.
Several companies have since removed Zantac from the shelves and precautionary measures while the lawsuit takes its course. The distribution of the drug has also been halted until further notice.
- Did the Manufacturers Know?
It is argued that the manufacturers were quite informed about the levels of NDMA because of the available studies depicting the connection between NDMA and human consumption.
As a result, Zantac is being sued for placing profits first and disregarding the health of those who take the drug.
- Zantac Lawsuit
Zantac drug has compelled people to protest against their battle against cancer, that has resulted due to the presence of NDMA in it.
Others who have been taking the drug are alarmed that they have been exposed to the possibilities of suffering from cancer. Drug Injury Information about Zantac can help the general public inform of the drug’s hazards.
All who have been affected in one way or the other can or have joined in the class action. Should the case be proven that there is a direct link between Zantac and cancer illnesses, all those affected will be compensated.
- What Kind of Cancer?
Different cancer-types are listed as a possible side-effect of taking Zantac. These include cancer of the bladder, stomach, breast, small intestines, ovaries, kidney and pancreas.
Although winning the class action is a positive outcome for those who are forced to live with cancer, the trauma that comes with falling ill with cancer and how this all came about, is inexplicable.
It is important to go through all the medical processes of surviving cancer, so that one can live the best quality of life regarding the circumstances.
- The Way Forward
There are alternative drugs to Zantac that can be taken for acid reflux and heartburn. If going down the pharmaceutical route has left you in doubt after what you know about Zantac, there are home remedies and ways to prevent acid reflux.
As for the class action, the process is still underway and those that are involved can only hope for the best. In terms of studies, Zantac is proven to cause cancer in animals but not yet proven in humans.
The battle in court will be to prove without a doubt that just as Zantac causes cancer in animals, humans are also affected in the same way.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know has been taking Zantac, there’s an option of joining the legal fight. If you suspect that you are ill or show symptoms, it is recommended to visit your doctor for screening.
Symptoms include jaundice, nausea, fever, vomiting, abdominal pains, and dizziness. Remember to do research on any pharmaceutical drug that you take and to inquire about side effects.
