When the news came, it was devastating. Stomach cancer? How could this happen? How are you going to pay for treatment? No one expects it to happen, and when you or a loved one develops a disease, you want to know why.
Unfortunately for some people, the cause may be the pills they’ve taken for years. Zantac is one of the most popular types of medication commonly prescribed to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Zantac, also known as ranitidine, contains a harmful substance known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (shortened to NDMA). NDMA is sometimes found in cigarette smoke, detergents, and pesticides. So, if it’s used in a substance designed to kill insects, why would drug manufacturers use it in something you’re going to regularly ingest?
What is NDMA?
NDMA is a known environmental contaminant and carcinogen. It was once used to produce rocket fuel, but later was recalled when researchers detected traces of it in the soil and air. Most studies have been done on animals, not humans, but the results are not reassuring.
Effects of NDMA
The CDC tested NDMA to determine its toxicity to living creatures. In small doses over a short time span, there were few side effects. But all that changed when experts increased the dosage and the subjects were exposed over a longer period of time.
With large doses, animals exposed to NDMA developed liver failure, liver cancer, kidney failure, and lung cancer. And even in small doses, the same result was achieved with a longer amount of time, leading to internal bleeding and chronic degeneration in the liver and kidneys. In other words, it makes zero sense to put even small amounts into your body on a regular basis. But that’s exactly what pharmaceutical companies were having you do.
The FDA Recall
Once NDMA was discovered in ranitidine medications, products containing more than the recommended daily intake of 96 nanograms were removed from store shelves. However, for some unfathomable reason, the FDA has not called for a total recall of the product.
In a statement released on September 13th, the FDA said they are “not calling for individuals to stop taking ranitidine.” Instead, they recommend anyone who has concerns seek a different treatment option.
Other companies, such as Canada and France, have completely recalled ranitidine medications until they can be manufactured without any traces of this harmful substance. Ranitidine should be completely recalled in the U.S. as well to avoid further damage, but it just hasn’t happened.
Only some of the ranitidine medications have been recalled, so not everyone is aware of the risks. If you have been taking Zantac or other ranitidine medications, it may be time to speak to a healthcare professional about alternatives.
Zantac Lawsuit
Many victims of Zantac-related cancer have already begun to file against the manufacturers. You don’t have to battle cancer alone. Monsour Law Firm has already begun working with East Texas residents who are dealing with drug-related injuries, and we can help you too.
If you or a loved one took Zantac for an extended period of time and are now facing a battle with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s not fair that medical companies have allowed NDMA to remain in medications, even in trace amounts. You and your loved ones should not have to continue to suffer as a result of the negligence of these medication companies.
Scheduling a consultation with a qualified attorney is free. Come talk to us so we can explore your options.
