What Kind of Cancer Does Zantac Cause?

Zantac was a ranitidine drug that was a common antacid used to treat and prevent gastroenterological issues, such as heartburn, stomach ulcers, GERD, and other conditions. The drug served as an over-the-counter and prescription solution to problems caused due to digestive issues. In 2020, however, the FDA stated that Zantac contained a chemical that could result in an increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as stomach and intestinal cancer. Thus Zantac was pulled from shelves by the FDA, then replaced in 2021 with a drug called Zantac 360°.

If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer that could be the result of Zantac usage, then you could file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. Understanding what kinds of cancer Zantac causes can help you determine whether you have a potential lawsuit. Many types of cancers have been linked to Zantac usage, including ones that do not directly affect the digestive system. If you believe your cancer could be due to Zantac, seek legal assistance from a mass tort lawsuit attorney with experience in similar cases.

Kinds of Cancer Potentially Caused by Zantac

The active ingredient in Zantac is ranitidine, which can prove unstable in certain storage conditions. Over time, ranitidine can be contaminated by N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a known carcinogen. 

Therefore, quite a few cancers have been linked to Zantac. According to the details from the Zantac multidistrict litigation action, MDL No. 2924, the most common types that have been discovered are:

  • Intestinal cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer

Zantac’s representatives may not readily agree that the product is linked to these cancers. However, substantial research, including animal studies, human dietary studies, and scientific articles, suggests a significant link between ranitidine and cancer. 

Due to these health concerns, the FDA recalled Zantac products in 2020. Since that time, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the drug manufacturer. While no settlements have been reached at this point, the case is still in its early stages. However, just because there are no settlements yet does not mean that you should not seek legal help if you believe that Zantac caused your cancer.

If you used Zantac frequently and have not been diagnosed with cancer, knowing some of the earliest symptoms of cancer can help you seek treatment in a timely fashion. Catching cancer early can be integral to making a complete recovery. Be alert for some of the most common early symptoms, including:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Significant weight loss for no explainable reason
  • Noticeable changes in eating habits, such as not feeling hungry or constant nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
  • Night sweats
  • Pain that does not go away or get better with treatment
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Easy bruising or other new skin conditions

Depending on the type of cancer that you have, you could see a variety of other symptoms as well. 

If you are noticing changes in your body that are unexplainable, then you should speak with a medical professional about the symptoms you are suffering. Let them know that you were taking Zantac and that the drug could potentially lead to an increase in cancer risk.

Research Continues on Why Zantac May Cause Cancer

The Zantac lawsuits are still in their early stages, and no single study definitely proves a link between human patients using ranitidine and cancer. However, the plaintiffs’ attorneys indicate that significant evidence exists to show that Zantac was likely the cause of the cancers presented in the lawsuits. 

Among other types of studies, scientific articles have used data from the FDA’s adverse health reporting system (FAERS) to determine how ranitidine in Zantac could affect patient health. In one study, researchers found enough evidence to show that gastrointestinal cancer was caused by patients’ intake of ranitidine products. (Cancers)

Importantly, plaintiffs can also point to the FDA recall to show the seriousness of Zantac’s health risks. According to the FDA’s recall language, long-term exposure to high levels of NDMA—as can be present in Zantac—can lead to cancer.

What Is Zantac?

Zantac was a drug used to treat many gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and heartburn. The generic name for Zantac is ranitidine, which is a drug that the FDA linked to increases in the carcinogen NDMA.

Ranitidine was available both over-the-counter and as a prescription until it was pulled from the market in 2020. When Zantac 360° was released in 2021, it contained a different ingredient, famotidine, which does not carry with it the same cancer risks as ranitidine. Therefore, while Zantac may cause cancer, there is no such evidence that Zantac 360°, the drug currently on the market, does the same.

What is NDMA?

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a liquid chemical that was labeled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a group 2A carcinogen. This means that there is evidence that the chemical causes cancer in humans. NDMA can present itself in water, soil, and even be airborne. 

As of 2018, the FDA began reporting that many medicines were becoming affected by the chemical. This finding determined that the tainted medication was potentially causing an increase in cancer risk for those who used the medications. Zantac was one of the first drugs recalled by the FDA for having high levels of NDMA present in it.

NDMA is present in many foods and beverages, yet small amounts of the chemical aren’t a problem, and the body can normally release it in a short amount of time. However, if one becomes exposed to high amounts of the chemical, then the chances of adverse effects, including cancer, may increase.

What Symptoms Accompany NDMA Exposure?

NDMA exposure can mimic a lot of other health problems initially, and the early side effects are common to other health concerns. 

Per the EPA, some of the most common symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dizziness. In more severe cases, a person who suffers overexposure to NDMA may suffer jaundice and liver, kidney, and lung problems.

Why Get Help From a Lawyer?

If you believe that Zantac caused your cancer, having a lawyer on your side can be crucial to ensuring that you seek proper compensation. You will want to have a personal injury lawyer who understands the current lawsuits and has a track record of settling such cases favorably for their clients. In addition to offering their legal knowledge, lawyers can help you by:

  • Reviewing medical records
  • Reviewing lawsuits that have already been brought forward
  • Comparing your symptoms and side effects to others already involved in the lawsuit
  • Speaking with medical professionals
  • Determining the optimal compensation for you

Working with a lawyer takes the stress and pressure off of you. With an attorney working alongside you, you are not tasked with trying to figure out how you fit into the current lawsuit and how your case compares to others. A lawyer will be able to figure out if your situation meets the requirements for a lawsuit, and if they determine that you are eligible for the lawsuit, they can represent you.

Without a lawyer, you could face many challenges to your case. In addition, with the Zantac lawsuits being so new and so much research still being done, a lawyer can keep you up to date on findings and other pertinent information related to the case. It is your lawyer’s job to ensure that they are on top of any changes that might affect your lawsuit, then keep you informed of how to proceed. As your lawyer fights for you, you can recover and receive the treatment necessary for your condition.

What Is the Status of Zantac Lawsuits?

Mass tort lawsuits involving Zantac are already progressing. California is the first state to set a trial date, with October 10, 2022 listed as the day that the trial against the manufacturer of Zantac will begin. Though this is the first state to set a date, other states could ultimately set earlier dates for bellwether trials.

In Florida, multidistrict litigation is underway. Judge Rosenberg in the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of Florida will oversee this case, MDL 2924. Over 2,000 lawsuits are part of this case. 

At the moment, there have not been any settlements issued to plaintiffs in these cases. Though a settlement or award is not guaranteed, this could start to change once bellwether trials get underway.

What Damages Could I Get in a Lawsuit?

Many people who face cancer diagnoses face serious bills and other life challenges. A settlement or award from a Zantac lawsuit could help you pay for these expenses.

A Zantac lawsuit attorney can tell you if you qualify to seek these common damages in a Zantac case:

  • Medical bills: This includes the cost of past, present, and future care needs. You could recover expenses such as for medications, surgeries, hospitalizations, chemotherapy, and more.
  • Lost income: This could include missed paychecks or a reduced ability to earn your normal income.
  • Pain and suffering: Cancer can be overwhelming to live with. You could seek damages for your emotional harm and physical pain.
  • Wrongful death damages: If you lost a loved one to cancer, you could seek compensation for end-of-life care, lost income to your family, and more.

How Much Could I Receive in a Zantac Settlement?

With no settlements, it is hard to know exactly how much your case could settle for. In general, plaintiffs receive a payout based on these factors:

  • The severity of their injuries
  • The cost of their medical bills
  • The impact on their life and ability to work
  • The strength of the evidence in their case 

One of the best things that you can do is to contact a law firm if you believe that your cancer was caused by Zantac. There is no benefit to waiting to present your lawsuit. After all, each state restricts the time you have to file a lawsuit for a dangerous drug injury. If you think you have a case, then you should seek legal assistance and get involved with the process as soon as possible.

Law Firms Offer Free Case Reviews So You Can Learn Your Options

There are many law firms out there, so you should speak to a few before deciding who you want to represent you. Many law firms offer free case reviews, so you can use this time to evaluate your legal options. Make sure that you use your initial consultations to express any concerns or questions that you have regarding your specific situation. You want to work with a law firm that is receptive to your concerns.

You will be sharing a lot of personal information with the attorney you choose, so make sure that you choose a law firm that cares about you and your case. Having a lawyer on your side with mass tort experience can help you steer your case through any legal challenges. 

Do your research and find a law firm that understands the current Zantac mass tort lawsuits and the kinds of cancers linked to the usage of the product. Speak with several law firms and get case reviews from each one. Then, choose the firm that seems most capable of supporting you and seeking the results you need. 

Get Help From a Law Firm That Cares

When you have suffered negative health effects from a drug like Zantac, your situation can feel hopeless. However, you have options. With information being revealed about the negative effects Zantac had on patients’ health, there is hope that those who suffered the most could be properly compensated.

If you feel that your cancer was caused due to your use of Zantac, one of the best things you can do is speak with a Mass Tort law firm. When you are ready to take the next step and seek legal representation, fill out the contact form on our website.