Zantac® (Ranitidine HCl)
Zantac is a pharmaceutical drug that treats and prevents stomach issues. People are prescribed Zantac to treat their gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and treat and prevent stomach ulcers. There are over the counter types of Zantac as well as prescribed. Over the counter versions are used by people to treat their mild cases of heartburn caused by acid indigestion. The most common form is a tablet form and people take it by mouth. Zantac consists of the compound ranitidine which is the active ingredient in the drug. Zantac has gone under research by many people to see if it is safe and not harmful to humans.
How Zantac Works
Zantac is a type of drug that is made either in a prescribed version or over the counter version. Both have the same active ingredient which is ranitidine. Zantac treats issues caused by too much acid produced in the stomach. Your stomach naturally produces acid. Some people produce too much acid which causes inflammation or ulcers. Zantac helps to reduce the amount of acid produced in your stomach. People who use over the counter ranitidine use it to treat their heartburn. Some people take prescription Zantac which is stronger. They take the stronger version when they have more serious issues like stomach ulcers or GERD. Both versions contain ranitidine which may be harmful to people.
Side Effects of Zantac
Ranitidine may cause some side effects. The advertised side effects of the Zantac are:
- headache
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- difficulty urinating
- dry mouth or skin
- dizziness
- trouble sleeping
- vision problems
- easy or unusual bruising
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- changes in heart rate
- decrease sex drive
How Zantac is Potentially Harmful
Zantac’s active ingredient ranitidine has been studied by many people. FDA and others have found traces of NDMA within ranitidine. The FDA has found that NDMA is a possible human carcinogen and which may be very harmful to humans. Something that is classified as a possible human carcinogen means that it could cause cancer to anyone exposed to it. When the FDA identifies a drug that may cause problems, they take action quickly to protect the people. The FDA has issued multiple statements over the past year addressing the dangers of ranitidine.
FDA has found NDMA levels in some ranitidine products increase with time and temperature posing a risk to consumers, and therefore the FDA has requested the removal of all ranitidine products from the U.S. market. As of April 1st, 2020 the FDA has requested the immediate recall and disposal of Zantac and all ranitidine products. They have sent requested to all stores to remove Zantac and other generic brands from the shelves.
Does Ranitidine cause Cancer?
Because NDMA has been listed as a probable carcinogen to humans, there have been many claims that people have developed certain types of cancers from taking Zantac on a regular basis. It has been found that NDMA may cause cancer only after being exposed to high doses over a long period of time. Many people are claiming Zantac is the cause of their cancer diagnosis. Zantac is claimed to be the cause of certain cancers including:
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Small and large intestine cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
If you or a loved one has suffered from any one of these cancers and has taken ranitidine products, speak to one of our lawyers today.
Filing a Dangerous Drug Claim with our Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the side effects of a pharmaceutical drug, please don’t hesitate to contact the legal professionals at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. today. We will review the details of your case and discuss your eligibility to recover compensation for the costs of further medical treatments, lost wages due to an inability to work, as well as any costs associated with rehabilitation.
In the event that a loved one passed away as a result of a drug injury, a lawyer can assist you in filing a claim to recover funeral and burial expenses, as well as compensation for loss of financial support.
Call us today at 800-550-0000 to discuss the specifics of your case.
