Zantac, which is the brand name for ranitidine, is a medication that has been used for decades to treat heartburn, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. In September 2019, the FDA issued a warning that Zantac and other medications containing ranitidine may be contaminated with NDMA, a possible human carcinogen.
Since then, the FDA has been investigating the levels of NDMA in ranitidine medications and has found that they can vary depending on the manufacturing process and storage conditions. NDMA is a known environmental contaminant that is found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. It is also produced when certain chemicals are burned.
While the levels of NDMA in ranitidine medications may be low, they could still increase over time, especially if the medication is not stored properly. The FDA is urging people to stop taking ranitidine and to speak with their healthcare providers about alternative treatments.
Patients who take Zantac or other ranitidine-containing medications should:
- Speak with their healthcare provider about alternative treatments
- If they have Zantac or other ranitidine-containing medications, stop taking them and dispose of them properly
- Store ranitidine medications at room temperature in a dry place
- Check the FDA website for updates on the investigation into NDMA contamination of ranitidine medications
The FDA is continuing to investigate the levels of NDMA in ranitidine medications and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Dangers of Zantac
Ranitidine, the active ingredient in Zantac, has been linked to a number of serious side effects, including cancer.
Ranitidine belongs to a class of drugs called histamine-2 blockers, which work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach.
While ranitidine is effective at treating heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues, it has also been linked to a number of serious side effects, including cancer.
A study published in the journal PLOS One found that people who took ranitidine had a two-fold increased risk of developing cancer.
Another study, published in the journal Gut, found that people who took ranitidine for more than a year had an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
Ranitidine has also been linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer, including bladder cancer and breast cancer.
If you have taken ranitidine for an extended period of time, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of continuing to take the drug.
Who is Responsible?
Zantac is manufactured by Sanofi, a French pharmaceutical company. Sanofi has been aware of the potential for NDMA contamination of ranitidine for several years. In 2018, the company sent a warning to healthcare providers about the possibility of NDMA contamination in ranitidine. However, Sanofi did not issue a recall of the drug.
It is unclear why Sanofi did not issue a recall of the drug at that time. The company has not issued a statement in response to the FDA’s most recent warning.
Sanofi is not the only company that manufactures ranitidine. Other companies, including Pfizer and Glaxo Smith Kline, also manufacture the drug.
If you have taken ranitidine, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of continuing to take the drug. You should also speak with a lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What is NDMA?
NDMA is a known environmental contaminant that is found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. It is also produced when certain chemicals are burned.
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA. This means that it is reasonably expected to cause cancer in humans.
NDMA has been linked to a number of cancers, including stomach cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer.
The FDA is investigating the levels of NDMA in ranitidine medications. The agency will provide updates as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, patients who take ranitidine should speak with their healthcare providers about alternative treatments. Patients who have ranitidine should stop taking it and dispose of it properly. Ranitidine should be stored at room temperature in a dry place.
Patients should also check the FDA website for updates on the investigation into NDMA contamination of ranitidine medications.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer while taking Zantac or any product that has NDMA in it, contact our experienced mass tort attorneys at Shook & Stone for a free consultation or call (702) 570-0000 to see if you have a case in Las Vegas Nevada.
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