FDA Orders Heartburn Medication Zantac and Generic Versions Pulled from Market

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered drug makers to pull the popular heartburn medication Zantac and other prescription and over-the-counter versions of the drug ranitidine off the market immediately. The FDA warns that the medication contains a “probable” cancer-causing contaminant that poses an unacceptable risk to patients.

Last year, the FDA had warned that the medication was contaminated with low levels of a chemical called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. However, at the time, the FDA considered the levels of contamination too low to cause harm. After further study, though, the administration determined the contamination levels increase over time, particularly when the medication is stored at higher than room temperature.

“Low levels of NDMA are commonly ingested in the diet, for example NDMA is present in foods and in water. These low levels would not be expected to lead to an increase in the risk of cancer,” the FDA stated. “However, sustained higher levels of exposure may increase the risk of cancer in humans.”

What Should You Do If You Are Taking Zantac?

The FDA is asking consumers who are using the drug to treat heartburn, stomach acid, or ulcers to stop taking it immediately. The agency suggests that consumers who are taking the over-the-counter version of the medication switch to another approved product for their condition. People who are taking a prescription ranitidine should talk with their doctor as soon as possible about alternative medications.

What to Do If You Have Suffered Illness Possibly Related to Zantac Contamination

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or experienced other severe side effects that you believe could be related to Zantac, seek legal advice immediately. If you have leftover medication, save it along with the packaging it came in, as that could be used as evidence in your case. Also save any records, receipts, and other paperwork related to your diagnosis and treatment.

Through a product liability claim, you may be entitled to seek payment for your:

• Medical expenses
• Future treatment needs
• Lost income if you are missing work due to your illness
• Reduced earning capacity for the future
• Pain and suffering

Talk to Our Zantac Lawyer About Your Legal Rights

We should be able to trust that the medications we take are safe ─ that they will make us better, not worse. Unfortunately, drug makers don’t always look out for consumers like they should. Medication contamination poses a serious threat to consumers across the United States. Those who are diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses due to this contamination deserve justice.

Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin to speak with a knowledgeable product liability attorney about your case. We will listen to your story and explain your legal options in a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees for us to begin work on your claim, and you do not pay us unless we recover money for you.