An estimated 60 to 70 million Americans suffer from a digestive disease. Worse – over 72% of adults claim to have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms at least several times a month. This does not come as much of a surprise, taking into consideration the modern diet: soda, garlicky foods, and cigarettes.

Most of those who suffer from symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases do not seek medical care, hoping that the problem will go away on its own. On the other hand, those who contact a doctor for assistance often get prescribed a variety of medications to help reestablish the natural order of their digestive system.

Among these medications is the brand Zantac, which has become popular for being able to treat gastrointestinal symptoms efficiently.

The problem is, not everyone has had good experiences with Zantac. Hundreds of people have come forward to complain about the side effects of the medication, with lawsuits being pushed all across the United States.

Have you been unfortunate enough to be negatively affected by Zantac? Don’t despair – we’ve put together a guide to help you weigh your options.

Already know what needs to be done? Choose an experienced Zantac attorney today!

What Is Zantac?

Ranitidine – known under and sold as the brand Zantac – is a medication that decreases stomach acid production. Ranitidine is frequently prescribed by those suffering from gastrointenstinal symptoms, being used in the treatment of various illnesses, such as peptic ulcer disease or the common gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Although ranitidine can be taken in a variety of ways, such as through injection or the oral cavity, Zantac usually comes in the form of pills. It is estimated that in 2018, at least 18 million people in the United States were prescribed Zantac, with 1,000 of these people reporting side-effects to the FDA.

As of April 2020, ranitidine can no longer be acquired in the United States. In fact, all ranitidine products have been taken off the market. Since then, Zantac’s parent company, Sanofi, created an alternative version of the medication, called Zantac 360, that uses famotidine instead of ranitidine.

Is Ranitidine Harmful?

Zantac is among the medication that has received the highest number of lawsuits, primarily because of its main component, ranitidine. After years of research, the FDA – the Food and Drug Association – discovered traces of a chemical impurity known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is known to cause cancer.

The most common cancer reaction to taking Zantac is colon cancer, with roughly about 10,000 estimated cases being reported. Kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer are almost as common. Out of all the varieties of cancer you can develop from taking ranitidine, pancreatic cancer or a malignant tumor are most likely to be fatal.

What Can I Do If I’ve Been Affected?

Even though Zantac hasn’t been on shelves since 2020, many people have still been left with large amounts of the medication, most of which are still using it. To make matters worse, the FDA has even reported that the levels of NDMA present in Zantac can even increase over time, especially if stored at high room temperatures.

If you’ve taken Zantac in the past or are still using it, then our foremost recommendation would be to report to a doctor so that they can help you fight against the worst effects of the medication. Among the many options you have at your disposal is to contact an experienced legal team that can help you receive financial compensation from Sanofi in order to help cover your medical bills.

You’ve Got Another Problem, Now

Gastrointenstinal difficulties are unpleasant enough without also having to deal with the sudden development of cancer. Zantac can no longer be purchased anywhere in the United States, although its effects have already made themselves felt, affecting thousands of people from across the country.

Have you been affected by Zantac? Call your doctor and contact an attorney sooner rather than later.

Author:

Kyle Hambright is a passionate writer proudly representing pintas.com. He has focused his legal career on personal injury cases, and throughout his practice, Kyle has helped people from all walks of life. This determination transpires in his writings as well. His articles translate the complex web of legal jargon into accessible text. Readers not only gain a firm grasp on theory, but they also learn how to put it into practice.