Zantac was discovered to contain unsafe levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen, and this means that the long-term side effects of Zantac could be liver damage and the development of cancer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), high levels of exposure to NDMA can lead to these health complications.
For years, Zantac has been a common medication for individuals looking to treat their heartburn and other gastrointestinal conditions. In 2019, a company called Valisure notified the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of the presence of NDMA in Zantac in a study of the medication. Valisure requested that the FDA pull from the market all products containing ranitidine, which is the generic form of Zantac.
After conducting additional studies, the FDA issued a market recall of Zantac and other forms of ranitidine drugs to be sold in the U.S, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Now, it can no longer be found on the shelves of local pharmacies, as it has been determined to be potentially dangerous.
More on the Long-Term Side Effects Associated with Zantac
Although research is still being conducted to determine how Zantac can affect those who took the medication, evidence suggests that it could cause issues with certain organs and cancer. According to the EPA, overexposure to NDMA can cause you to experience any of the following long-term side effects:
Liver Damage
Liver damage can cause you to experience an array of complications. When your liver becomes damaged, it isn’t able to properly perform its job, which is to process your food or dispose of toxins. In some cases, liver damage can lead to liver failure, which could even be fatal, according to Mayo Clinic.
Reduced Function of the Kidneys
Like your liver, your kidneys also help eliminate toxins in the body and even filter the blood, according to Cleveland Clinic.
If you are unaware of your kidney damage and the kidneys begin to malfunction due to lack of treatment, this can lead to kidney failure. When your kidneys stop working, you may need to undergo dialysis or have a kidney transplant performed.
Cancer
Several forms of cancer could be caused by exposure to high levels of NDMA, such as gastric and colorectal cancer. Although some individuals are able to treat their cancer and prevent it from spreading, others find that treatment isn’t always effective.
If you decide to treat cancer, the medications and procedures can be invasive and difficult on the body. In addition, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) says the disease may also cause you to experience one or more of the following side effects:
- Anemia
- Appetite loss
- Delirium
- Fertility issues
- Flu-like symptoms
- Hair loss
- Infection and neutropenia
- Issues with memory and/or concentration
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Nerve issues
In addition to the long-term side effects that are associated with Zantac, which contains harmful levels of NDMA, the chemical can also lead to a person experiencing short-term effects such as headaches, fever, and nausea.
If you suffered physically, emotionally, and financially because of your use of Zantac, you may be able to seek compensation through a lawsuit.
Suing the Makers of Zantac for the Long-Term Effects it Causes
The levels of NDMA that can be found in Zantac are dangerous, as determined by the FDA–and because of this, Zantac put those who took the medication at risk of suffering from one or more of the conditions discussed above. In fact, the FDA has learned that depending on how the previously sold Zantac medication was stored, the levels of NDMA actually increased over time and with higher storage temperatures.
This means that there was no way to guarantee that the Zantac sold to consumers would be safe, according to the FDA.
When a drug manufacturer creates a medication and doesn’t warn consumers of the dangers associated with taking it, the company can be sued for any harm their product causes. In fact, many lawsuits have already been filed against the makers of Zantac.
If you experienced adverse effects after taking Zantac or have recently been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to pursue compensation to cover the costs of:
- Your medical expenses, including any hospitalizations, therapies, medications, medical appointments, and more
- Your future medical expenses, if your treatment is ongoing
- Your pain and suffering, which can help compensate you for your physical and emotional pain due to your health condition
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Can Fight for Your Compensation
Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers at (855) 529-0269 to find out if you have a valid case that might entitle you to seek compensation. At Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you can expect to work with the firm’s partners, not a case manager. We will help you understand your legal rights if you have been injured by a harmful product or drug and will fight hard to obtain a fair outcome.