The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced last year that there is an investigation into the contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine medications, such as Zantac. NDMA is a substance that could cause cancer in individuals. The FDA requested a manufacturer’s withdrawal immediately.
If you took Zantac or other products with NDMA, you might have a lawsuit. Manufacturers like Zantac will likely see thousands of negligence claims this year. The law holds manufacturers responsible for the harm and injury their products cause consumers.
Manufacturers can be financially liable for the consequences of their products, including getting cancer. Contact Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. if you are looking for a Zantac lawsuit lawyer in Sayville, NY. Speak to one of our associates about your claim by calling (631) 600-0000.
How Zantac Can Cause Cancer
Zantac contains ranitidine, which is an antacid. Medical professionals use the substance to treat stomach and intestine ulcers. It is also an over-the-counter drug for throat and stomach problems.
We consume low levels of ranitidine through our food and beverages. High levels of ranitidine, however, may increase the risk of cancer. Laboratory tests found acceptable low levels of NDMA when the FDA tested medication with ranitidine.
New studies found NDMA levels in ranitidine increase over time. The levels increase under normal storage conditions and surge in higher temperatures. Likewise, the longer the storage period, the more time for NDMA levels to build up. For instance, medication you stored for a year will likely have higher levels.
Ingesting high levels of NDMA can increase your risk of cancer. Some of these cancer types include:
- Stomach cancer
- Cancer in small and large intestines
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder and kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
- Throat/nasal cancer
Ranitidine can also cause other side effects, such as headaches, abdominal pain, confusion, anemia, and joint pain.
Generic drugs and other antacids contain ranitidine. While Zantac, Apotex, and Novartis/Sandoz have recalled products, not all companies have pulled their ranitidine-containing products. Some other drugs include the following:
- Careone Acid Reducer
- Pepcid
- Protonix
- Carafate
- Deprizine
- Equaline Heartburn Relief
The FDA recommends switching to a similar medication that does not contain ranitidine, such as Pepcid, Tagamet, Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec.
Why You Might Have a Case
The FDA’s mission is to ensure medications are safe for consumers. The agency creates regulations pertaining to the public’s health that manufacturers and others must follow to legally sell their products.
The government regulates certain products, like food, cosmetics, medical devices, and drugs. All drugs and biologics – a type of pharmaceutical drug – must go through the FDA before the product can legally enter the market. For example, you may have heard the phrase, “FDA-approved.”
For the agency to approve a product, the benefits must outweigh the risks. The agency will launch an investigation should it come to light that a product is a health hazard. The FDA will check:
- If the product is no longer safe for the public
- If the manufacturer knew about the hazard
- If the manufacturer failed to inform the public about its known risks
Manufacturers, as well as others in the retail chain, have “product liability.” This phrase means the law will hold them legally responsible for producing or selling a faulty or hazardous product. You might have a case if you believe Zantac caused your cancer.
You have three years to start the legal process of suing for product liability, according to the New York State Senate. A Zantac lawsuit lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help you get started by reviewing your claim. We can negotiate the highest compensation award possible and represent you in court.
Call to speak to a member of our team today at (631) 600-0000.
Compensation from Product Liability Lawsuits
Manufacturers and sellers can be legally liable for giving consumers defective, hazardous, or otherwise harmful products. Product liability also means the manufacturer could be responsible for the losses their customers experience as a result of the product.
Damages can include the following:
- Medical care expense – Cancer is often a very expensive condition that requires months to years of treatment. Even with the best health insurance, medical bills are expensive and can create a financial black hole. Your lawsuit compensation can help you and your family cover these costs without going bankrupt.
- Loss of income – Sickness, especially serious conditions like cancer, can hinder your capacity to earn an income. Your inability to work could be temporary or permanent, as your health might prevent you from returning to your profession.
- End-of-life costs – You could sue for reimbursement for medical bills, funeral, and burial expenses if your family member passed due to ranitidine-caused cancer from a medication. You may also have a claim for the wrongful death of your loved one.
- Pain and suffering – Individuals who overcome cancer are survivors because it is a battle to beat the condition. The symptoms and treatments are physically painful and mentally exhausting. It can also take a toll on your emotions. You can request an additional sum to compensate for the non-economic losses you suffered.
Your specific compensation amount will depend on your situation and your losses. Lawsuits require you to show proof of the following three factors:
- You used a ranitidine product, such as Zantac. If you have a prescription for your medication, you can use it as evidence of your habitual usage of the medication. You may need receipts or other documentation if you purchased over-the-counter medication.
- You have cancer. You must suffer damages to collect lawsuit compensation. Medical records and medical professional testimony can illustrate your condition.
- Your use of the ranitidine product is connected to your cancer. It can be very difficult to show causation even if there are studies that indicate their correlation. However, proof of the length of time and amount of medication you took may illustrate a connection.
Proving your case is one of the reasons why a Zantac lawsuit lawyer from Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. can help you and your family. Call us at (631) 600-0000.
