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Zantac Injury & Cancer Claims

Zantac Injury Lawyers in Pennsylvania

On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported the discovery of the carcinogenic contaminant “NDMA” in Zantac (ranitidine), a common heartburn medication available in both prescription and over-the-counter versions. Levels of NDMA have been found that are between 3,000 and 26,000 times higher than what the agency has determined to be safe. NDMA is a genotoxic carcinogen and long-term exposure to NDMA can cause a significant increase in the risk of stomach, colorectal, esophageal, liver and pancreatic tumors.

Must have use brand name Zantac OR generic brand (ranitidine) if diagnosed with a qualifying injury  
– Must have been diagnosed with either:
Stomach Cancer
Liver Cancer
Bladder Cancer
Small Intestine/Colorectal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Prostate Cancer (Age at diagnosis under 65)
Pancreatic Cancer
Leukemia
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Multiple Myeloma
Kidney (Renal) Cancer
– Must have used the drug after October 1984
– Must have been diagnosed with one of the above injuries from January 1985 to present
-Must have used qualifying drugs for a minimum of 6 months
– Must have developed one of the above injuries at least 12 months after use start date
– Must not have developed above injury as a result of, or after, having cancer in a non-qualifying organ
– Must not be a resident of Michigan

Sanofi, manufacturers of the heartburn medication Zantac, came under scrutiny when impurities were discovered in its ingredient ranitidine. Worse yet, it appears that these impurities may not have been limited to Zantac products, but also among generic ranitidine medications as well.
Concern was first raised by small startup pharmacy Valisure, when it’s scientists alerted American regulators that Zantac and its generic form, ranitidine, contained N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical thought to cause cancer, at low levels. 

Sanofi announced in October a voluntary recall of all affected units of ranitidine products, and soon many generic ranitidine manufacturers followed suit. Some companies have recalled ranitidine based on tests showing levels of NDMA above the acceptable daily intake, while some have recalled without doing testing based only on the potential for NDMA in the drug.

Zantac Injury Lawyer in Chester County, PA

If you believe Zantac  caused your illness or injury, you may be eligible to file a mass tort case. Ciccarelli Law Offices knows how frustrating it can be to be injured by a product that you trusted. That is why we want to help you bring justice on the corporation or manufacture that caused your pain and suffering.

To schedule a time to speak with Ciccarelli Law Offices more about your case, call (610) 692-8700 or submit your information in the online contact form. We represent clients in areas that include West Chester, Philadelphia, Kennett Square, Springfield, Malvern, King of Prussia, Radnor, Plymouth Meeting and many more.

Zantac Cancer Lawsuits

Have you developed stomach, liver, bladder or other cancer after taking the common heartburn medication Zantac? If so, then you might be eligible to take part in nationwide litigation against Zantac manufacturers. Currently, hundreds have filed lawsuits against Sanofi and other generic manufacturers of the popular heartburn medication after a carcinogenic byproduct was found in some batches of the product. As a result, these lawsuits have been grouped in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in West Palm Beach, Florida. Patients suffering from Zantac-related cancers are encouraged to seek legal assistance at this time, so they can explore their legal options carefully.

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Pennsylvania Zantac litigation lawyers have partnered with other legal teams to assist patients who wish to take part in the Zantac MDL. Large drug manufacturers have a responsibility and duty to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. When they fail in this duty, patients are the ones who suffer. As such, drug manufacturers can — and should — be held accountable for their negligence. Our law firm has the experience and resources needed to battle even the largest drug manufacturers — and win.  Call us at (215) 228-0101 or fill out our confidential contact form to explore your legal options.

What is Zantac?

Zantac is a popular heartburn medication that has been both prescribed and used over-the-counter for decades. It first entered the market in 1981 and quickly became a well-known and widely used drug. It is the 50th most prescribed medication in the U.S. It is available in a variety of forms, including:

  • Zantac 75 mg Tablets
  • Zantac 150 Tablets
  • Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
  • Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
  • Wal-Zan 150 and Wal-zan 75

It is classified as an H2 antagonist and it works by reducing the amount of acid in your stomach. This is why it is such a popular drug for individuals suffering from heartburn, GERD, and other types of esophageal and stomach ulcers and disorders. It is even beneficial for individuals with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

The active ingredient in Zantac is ranitidine HCL. The generic form of Zantac is known as ranitidine. Unfortunately, when ranitidine HCL metabolizes, it becomes NDMA which the World Health Organization classifies as a cancer-causing chemical.

Cancer-Causing NDMA Found in Zantac

In September 2019, the FDA received information that the cancer-causing chemical NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) was found in batches of Zantac. It was also found in the generic version, ranitidine. Immediately, retailers pulled prescriptions and over-the-counter formulas off their shelves in an attempt to protect the public from further harm. Manufacturers of Zantac and generic ranitidine recalled the medication across the United States.

In April 2020, the FDA requested that the manufacturers of ranitidine remove all drugs from the market due to a high risk to public health. Now, the manufacturers of Zantac are facing multi-district litigation as more people developed cancer after taking this dangerous drug.

How much NDMA was found in Zantac?

Valisure, an online pharmacy in Connecticut, was the first to find the large levels of NDMA in Zantac. They detected extremely high levels in every lot tested across multiple manufacturers.

According to the FDA, individuals should not consume more than 96 nanograms of NDMA a day. This is one billionth of a gram. It is a cancer-causing chemical and dangerous for human consumption. What Valisure found was shocking. They detected more than 3 million nanograms of NDMA per tablet. This was an unacceptable level of contamination and the reason the FDA requested that the manufacturers remove the drugs from the market.

Dangers of NDMA

NDMA is toxic and evidence shows that it may cause cancer and death. It is classified as a B2 carcinogen. This means it is a probable human carcinogen. In particular, it is very toxic to the liver. The FDA has stated that “it is reasonable to expect that exposure to NDMA by eating, drinking, or breathing could cause cancer in humans.” Organs that are especially damaged by high-levels of NDMA include the bladder, liver, kidneys, lungs, brain and stomach.

NDMA may cause cancer by modifying the DNA in the human body, which in turn causes inflammation and possible tumor growth. The amount of NDMA in Zantac increases while in normal storage, especially under high temperatures. The older the drug on the shelf or in medicine cabinets, the higher the level of NDMA. Multiple studies have since linked NDMA and ranitidine to cancers.

One study by the National Cancer Institute in 2004 showed that ranitidine and bladder cancer were linked.  Another study in 2011 found that more NDMA formed when ranitidine was exposed to drinking water with chlorine. A study in 2016 found evidence that NDMA formed within the stomach due to favorable PH conditions. Yet despite these multiple studies, the manufacturers of Zantac refused to warn the public or recall their products.

Zantac Lawsuits

Since the drug was pulled from the market, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers. One of the first lawsuits was filed in 2019 by a Florida resident who claimed that Zantac caused his breast cancer. Breast cancer is rare in men, however, it does occur. He filed a lawsuit claiming that despite their knowledge of the risks of cancer, the manufacturers of Zantac failed to warn the public.

Another plaintiff filed a Zantac shortly afterwards, claiming that Zantac caused his bladder cancer. His lawsuit was against Sanofi US Services, Chattem, Inc, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline. In his complaint, he alleged that manufacturers knew of Zantac’s ability to produce high levels of NDMA since 1981 and withheld that information from the public.

Plaintiffs accuse the drugmakers of Zantac and ranitidine of manufacturing and marketing this medication knowing the dangers. Their failure to warn the public and disclose the cancer-causing chemical makes them liable for the damages, injuries, and deaths suffered by consumers.

These are just two of the hundreds of lawsuits that have since been filed against Zantac manufacturers. If you believe that you may have reason to take part in the Zantac litigation that is currently pending, we urge you to speak to one of your experienced Zantac lawsuit lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices.

Do You Qualify to File a Zantac Lawsuit?

To qualify to file a Zantac claim, you must have a cancer diagnosis, proven Zantac use, and establish a connection between your cancer and the use of Zantac. Our lawyers can properly evaluate your claim to help you build your case.

To determine if you may qualify, consider the following questions:

  • Did you use Zantac or its generic equivalent ranitidine?
  • Do you suffer from at least one of the following:
    • Bladder cancer
    • Liver cancer
    • Lung cancer
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Uterine cancer
    • Kidney cancer
    • Esophageal cancer
    • Stomach cancer
    • Intestinal cancer
    • Pancreatic cancer
    • Testicular cancer
    • Throat/Nasal cancer
    • Thyroid cancer
  • Did you develop this cancer after Zantac use?
  • Were you under the age of 64 when diagnosed with prostate cancer?
  • Were you a non-smoker or a non-smoker for the last 25 years and still developed lung cancer?
  • Did you use Zantac after October 1984
  • Did you develop cancer at least 12 months after the start date of using Zantac?
  • Did you use Zantac or ranitidine for at least a year?
  • Did you use Zantac once a week for a minimum of six months?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, we want to hear from you! You may qualify to take part in important litigation against the manufacturers of Zantac and ranitidine. This litigation could result in significant awards and compensation for your suffering and for any damages you sustained. Most civil cases will settle before ever going to trial, so you must act quickly. While no one can guarantee the amount of award you will receive, we can evaluate your case and answer your questions about the factors that determine compensation.

Steps to Filing a Zantac Lawsuit

If you believe that you may qualify to file a Zantac lawsuit, it is important to familiarize yourself with the civil litigation process. It is also important to discuss your concerns with your doctor before discontinuing the use of any prescribed medications. After you have discussed your medications and concerns with your doctor, it is important to take the following steps:

  • Contact a Zantac Lawsuit Attorney. You need to discuss your case with an attorney who has experience handling bad drug lawsuits. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we can help you review your legal options and discuss the best steps for moving forward.
  • Gather Evidence & Documents. Your attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence and documents needed to establish that Zantac may have caused your cancer. This includes past medical records, medication receipts, pharmacy bills, and other valuable documents.
  • Filing a Complaint. If we believe that you are eligible to file a Zantac lawsuit, we will work with you to assess the damages and file a complaint on your behalf. It is important to work quickly so that we do not miss any critical deadlines for taking part in the MDL

Damages for NDMA Exposure from Zantac

The purpose of filing this complaint and lawsuit is to seek monetary relief for your losses. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we can help you recover damages, including:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages

Call Our Zantac Lawsuit Attorneys

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we are currently representing individuals who have taken Zantac and developed cancer. With offices conveniently located throughout Pennsylvania, we are here where you need us. To learn more about Zantac litigation and to discuss your legal options, call us at (610) 692-8700 or fill out our confidential contact form. We can help you through this difficult time so you can get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Injury Team if you have been injured by Zantac 

We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including  Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County.  If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.

The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.

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