Zantac (Ranitidine) Recalled by FDA for Potential Cancer Link

• June 15, 2020
• Dangerous Pharmaceuticals

Once a best-selling drug for more than 60 million Americans experiencing heart burn, Zantac (ranitidine) has now been pulled from the US market after several third-party tests found unsafe levels of a contaminant known as N-nitrosodimethyalmine (NDMA).

FDA Requests Removal of Zantac

FDA Test Results

FDA testing determined NDMA levels increase in some ranitidine products over time and when stored at higher-than-normal temperatures, creating a risk to the public’s health. They also found NDMA levels were greater when more time had passed since the drug was manufactured.

Potential Link to Cancer

NDMA is a known probable carcinogen. It is a contaminant found in water and foods and can cause cancer after exposure to high doses over a long period of time. This may mean that those who used Zantac (ranitidine) for chronic conditions may have been exposed to unsafe levels of the contaminant. While all users of Zantac have been exposed to unsafe levels, those with chronic conditions may have a greater risk.

Certain types of cancer may be associated with high NDMA exposure, such as bladder cancer, stomach or gastric cancer, and kidney or renal cancer.

NDMA may increase the risk of several types of cancer, such as:

• Intestinal Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Esophageal/Nasal/Throat Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma

Other Drugs Containing NDMA

NDMA has been found in other classes of medications.

• Angiotensin receptor blockers, including the drug Valsartan (Diovan) which is used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions. The FDA recalled Valsartan, Losartan, Irbesartan and other “-sartan” drugs.
• Elevated levels of NDMA impurities were found in certain metformin extended-release products. In May 2020, the FDA recommended five drug makers should recall their versions of this widely used diabetes medication.

In the last few years, scientists have found NDMA in a number of pharmaceuticals. The amounts of the contaminant in the drugs has generally been low; however, some levels have been above the FDA’s acceptable daily limit. Many of the affected drugs have been recalled.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

DO YOU NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE?

At present lawsuits have been filed against the makers of Zantac claiming the drag manufacturers knew NDMA in ranitidine could increase the risk of cancer but did not warn the public.

To learn more about pharmaceutical drug injuries or to talk to an attorney about your situation, contact the law firm of Nash & Franciskato for your free, no-obligation case evaluation. Your health and future prospects may be at stake, and we want to help.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR CASE

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