Zantac Attorneys in Rochester

Serving Clients in Buffalo & the Surrounding Areas

Zantac, a popular over-the-counter heartburn drug, has recently come under fire for containing up to 3,000 times the FDA-recommended amount of a harmful contaminant known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is found in ranitidine, which is the active ingredient in Zantac and other OTC and prescription heartburn medications. At high dosages, NDMA has been shown to cause a variety of different forms of cancer.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac or another ranitidine-containing medication for an extended period of time, you could be entitled to take part in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of Zantac or file a separate lawsuit seeking damages. At ­­­­Faraci Lange, LLP, we represent victims of defective drugs and medical devices and are currently accepting cases involving Zantac and other ranitidine-containing drugs.

To learn more about filing a Zantac lawsuit in Rochesteror the nearby areas, contact Faraci Lange, LLP at (888) 997-4110. We have offices in Rochester and Buffalo and serve clients throughout the area. 

The Link Between NDMA, Ranitidine & Cancer

As far back as the 1980s, various independent studies have demonstrated a link between ranitidine and cancer. The link comes from NDMA, which is a known human carcinogen. N-nitrosodimethylamine is a naturally occurring chemical compound that can be found in small traces in various foods and in water. It has also been found in ranitidine, the main ingredient in Zantac and other histamine H2-receptor antagonists, or H2 blockers (anti-acid medications).

Because NDMA is only found in trace amounts in the food and water humans consume, there is no link between consumption of these things and cancer. However, the amount of ranitidine in Zantac and other H2 blockers means that consumption of these medications equates to high consumption of NDMA—up to 3,000 times the FDA-recommended amount, according to some studies. Over time, this can lead to various types of cancer.

Zantac and other ranitidine-containing H2 blockers have been linked to:

• Stomach cancer
• Intestinal cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Leukemia

This is not a complete list; Zantac and its generic forms have been linked to other forms of cancer in humans and in non-human studies. There is some evidence that ranitidine may break down on its own in the body, creating NDMA.

Zantac Recalled in the United States

In September of 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the link between Zantac and other ranitidine-containing H2 blockers and cancer. Several days later, the first voluntary recall went into effect, quickly followed by others. These recalls affected various over-the-counter medications manufactured by Sanofi, Lannett Company, Inc., Novitium Pharma, Sandoz, and others.

These recalls have extended into 2020, with the FDA issuing an immediate recall of all Zantac/ranitidine products effective April 1, 2020 due to evidence that storage of ranitidine products at too-high temperatures and/or for a prolonged period of time leads to unacceptable levels of NDMA.

What to Do If You Took Zantac & Were Diagnosed with Cancer

In order to have grounds for a case, you will need to show that taking Zantac (or another ranitidine medication) was the cause of your cancer. In most situations, this will only be the case if you took a ranitidine drug for a prolonged period of time or after it was stored for a long time and/or at high temperature.

It is strongly advised that you reach out to an experienced defective drug attorney who can help you navigate the process of filing your claim. At Faraci Lange, LLP, our Buffalo Zantac lawsuit attorneys have over 55 years of experience representing victims of negligence and corporate greed, and we are prepared to help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

To schedule a free consultation with an attorney at our firm, contact us online or call (888) 997-4110 today.