Zantac Recall
About Zantac (Ranitidine Hydrochloride)
Ranitidine was a popular heartburn medication available in tablet and liquid form. It was manufactured and sold under the brand name Zantac by the pharmaceutical company Sanofi. News reports estimate that around 15 million Americans took prescription Zantac, and millions more took over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine.
Why People Took Ranitidine
Ranitidine is a histamine 2 blocker (H2 blocker) used to reduce the production of stomach acid. It was helpful in relieving heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers, providing relief when antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) proved ineffective.
Prescription and OTC
Ranitidine drugs were available both OTC and by prescription. In addition to Zantac, many companies manufactured generic versions of the drug to be sold at Rite-Aid, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, and other drugstores.
The FDA Recall
The Food and Drug Administration issued a safety advisory in September 2019. The drugs were removed from shelves in April 2020 given new research into the dangers of the B2 carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The Dangers of Zantac (Ranitidine) Why the Drug was Recalled
In the summer of 2019, the FDA first learned that Zantac and other ranitidine drugs contained N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The FDA has investigated potential hazards of NDMA in various drugs since 2018. Recent findings prompted the Zantac recall in the United States as well as suspension in Canada and the European Union.
Concerns About NDMA
NDMA was at one time used to make rocket fuel, though its use was discontinued after high levels of the chemical were found in air, soil, and water samples near manufacturing plants.High NDMA Levels
People ingest safe, low levels of NDMA every day through food and water. The amount found in ranitidine drugs was potentially dangerous for regular human consumption.Long-term Cancer Risk
As a probable human carcinogen, exposure to NDMA increases cancer risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes a link between NDMA and higher risk of gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.Risk of Liver Damage
In addition to gastric and colorectal cancers, NDMA has also been linked to an increased risk of liver damage. Even low levels of NDMA can be toxic to a person's liver.Increased Danger Over Time
While NDMA levels in ranitidine are initially low, they can increase when stored at room temperature or higher. That means older ranitidine products are potentially more dangerous to consumers.A List of Ranitidine Products Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
This list of ranitidine drugs includes brand names and generics. These drugs were available at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, Walmart, and other drugstores:
- Acid Control (Ranitidine)
- Acid Reducer (Ranitidine)
- Heartburn Relief (Ranitidine)
- Wal-Zan 75
- Wal-Zan 150
- Zantac 75 Tablets
- Zantac 150 Tablets
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
- Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
Contact a Product Liability Attorney About Defective and Dangerous Drug Lawsuits
If harmful drugs have caused injury to you or someone you love, you can count on the product liability lawyers at the Law Firm of Roger 'Rocky' Walton, P.C. We proudly serve the people of Arlington, TX, and communities throughout the state by holding negligent companies and individuals liable for their actions. There are Spanish-speaking members of staff at our law firm, allowing us to serve as many members of the community as possible.
Roger 'Rocky' Walton has lived in Arlington since 1975, and has represented clients since 1987. He is a board-certified personal injury lawyer, a distinction held by less than 3 percent of attorneys in the state of Texas. Rocky is a member of the American Trial Lawyers of America, the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association, and the Texas Bar Association. He is currently on the board of directors of the Arlington Bar Association.
If you would like to discuss your legal options regarding the Zantac recall, contact our Arlington law firm online. You can also reach our lawyers by phone.
Call or Text: (817) 429-4299
Helping Clients and the Community We Care About the People of Arlington
Bronwyn Kaminski
Rocky and his team have been wonderful handling my case. Kati is always so quick to respond and answer any of my questions and explain things in detail. I would definitely recommend this firm to anyone, they will help you every step of the way.
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Kelly Mullins-Hall
I cannot sing your praises enough. You have made a life long impact in the lives of my students and to me that speaks so highly of the type of community, civic minded man you are. I would choose someone of your caliber every single time I needed representation. I hope your business flourishes. Thank you for all you have done for our students!
View On GoogleFood and Drug Administration (FDA) Recommendations
As a safety precaution for people taking Zantac or ranitidine products, the FDA provided the following recommendations to avoid dangerous NDMA levels and further health issues:
Stop Taking Ranitidine Drugs
If you currently have any prescription Zantac or any over-the-counter ranitidine products, stop taking these drugs immediately. Dispose of these tablet or liquid medications safely and avoid purchasing any other drugs that contain ranitidine.
Discuss Ranitidine Alternatives
If you still require medication to treat heartburn or GERD, discuss safe Zantac alternatives with your general practitioner or a pharmacist. They can recommend safe heartburn drugs that do not contain NDMA and will not pose long-term health risks.
Filing a Zantac Recall Lawsuit: Holding Negligent Drug Companies Accountable
While Sanofi and other manufacturers have removed Zantac and ranitidine generics from the shelves, they need to be held accountable for endangering the lives of millions of consumers. Here is what you can do:
Pharmaceutical companies must ensure the safety of consumers when it comes to the proper use of their drugs. An attorney like Rocky Walton in Arlington can determine if you have a case.
Anyone prescribed Zantac or who took ranitidine OTC can participate in a lawsuit. Those who subsequently developed cancer or suffered liver damage are encouraged to file a claim.
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Whether the case is settled out of court or goes to trial, any settlements or damages received will help cover medical expenses and hardships associated with the use of Zantac/ranitidine.
Why You Need a Dangerous Drug Attorney
If you took ranitidine to treat heartburn and have experienced any adverse health conditions, the lawyers at our Arlington law firm can help.
Knowledge of Product Liability Laws
When filing a legal claim against a drug manufacturer, our lawyers will note existing product liability statutes as well as any previous dangerous drug lawsuits that are pertinent to the ranitidine claim.Focus on Organization and Details
Our dangerous drug lawyers are detail-oriented. We will work within statutes of limitations and other filing deadlines, and keep clients updated with any progress in the ranitidine case as the legal process moves forward.Legal Peace of Mind
These lawsuits take time, which can take a toll on people dealing with health problems due to ranitidine products. Having product liability lawyers on your side allows you to focus on healing.Lawyers Who Care About You We are Here for the People of Arlington
John L. Rothra
Our experience with them was beyond excellent. Regardless of the size of the settlement, the team of Michelle, Katie, Tim, and Roger treated us with the utmost respect and never made us feel like a mere number or dollar sign. We were humans, individuals, people. We felt like we mattered.
Patrick Bogan
I went to Rocky's office, injured, confused, and not understanding what my options were, regarding my injury. Not only did they take care of my personal injury claim, they advised me on what other steps I should be taking to protect my interests. I can't even express how grateful I am to Rocky, Kati, Michelle, and everyone else there, for actually caring about me, and helping me get redress.
