Updated on: 4/9/2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a formal request that all prescription and over-the-counter Zantac products be removed from the U.S. marketplace over concerns about cancer risks to patients.
According to the FDA's announcement, an ongoing investigation into Zantac products has brought up concerns over a contaminant, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a known carcinogen and has been found in tests of various Zantac products. NDMA levels in Zantac products are also believed to increase over time and potentially pose a greater health risk when the products are stored at above-average temperatures.
The FDA first began studying various Zantac products in summer of 2019 after reports of higher than expected levels of NDMA in some products. While the FDA's investigation has not led to any definitive conclusion about Zantac, the agency is taking preventative measures until more is known.
"We didn't observe unacceptable levels of NDMA in many of the samples that we tested," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "However, since we don't know how or for how long the product might have been stored, we decided that it should not be available to consumers and patients unless its quality can be assured."
Cancer Concerns For Patients Taking Zantac
Zantac is one of the most popular over-the-counter and prescription heartburn drugs available today, and millions of patients have taken the drug over the years. Recent reports from patient safety advocates indicate a cause for concern as a high number of patients have been diagnosed with various forms of cancer after having taken the drug.
Patients have the right to know about the risks associated with any food or drugs that they may consume, and manufacturers and marketers of pharmaceuticals have a duty to warn the public about any known risks associated with these products.
Lawyers across the country are beginning to investigate Zantac claims and it is believed that anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac may be able to recover financial compensation from the drug manufacturer. The process for these lawsuits can sometimes take several months or even years, and so it is advised that potential claimants consult with an experienced attorney sooner rather than later.
Davis Law Group is here to speak with you about your potential Zantac cancer claim today. Call our office in Seattle at (206) 727-4000 or use the confidential contact form on this page to request a free case review with our legal staff.
