Zantac (also known as ranitidine) is a type of drug called a histamine-2 blocker. These drugs were designed to lower the amount of acid in your stomach. People took it for conditions like peptic ulcers, acid reflux, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, a condition where the stomach produces way too much acid. It was available both over-the-counter and through prescriptions, making it super accessible for millions of people around the world.

The medication was found to contain NDMA, a chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen. NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is found in some industrial processes and even in foods like cured meats, but the levels in Zantac were much higher than what is considered safe. NDMA can build up in the drug over time, especially if it’s stored at higher temperatures than normal.

That’s why, in 2020, the FDA decided to pull Zantac off the shelves. The fear was that many people might have unknowingly consumed dangerous amounts of NDMA, putting them at risk for certain types of cancer. These people have the option of seeking compensation through the help of attorneys experienced in Zantac lawsuits.

Common Types of Cancer Associated with Zantac

The following types of cancer are allegedly caused by Zantac consumption.

Colorectal Cancer

One of the most significant findings is the link between Zantac and colorectal cancer. A 2020 study showed that people who used ranitidine (Zantac) had a higher incidence of colorectal cancer compared to those using other medications for heartburn and acid reflux.

Stomach Cancer

There has been some back-and-forth when it comes to the link between Zantac and stomach cancer. Some studies didn’t find much of a connection, while others suggested that people who took Zantac might have a slightly higher risk of stomach cancer. Specifically, gastric adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors have been associated with NDMA contamination in the drug.

Pancreatic Cancer

Researchers also discovered a possible link between Zantac and pancreatic cancer. This is a particularly aggressive type of cancer, and although the link wasn’t fully clear, some studies suggested that there could be a significantly increased risk for people who took Zantac over time.

Bladder Cancer

It was also found that people who took Zantac, especially those who used it for more than three years, had a higher rate of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is another serious condition that could potentially be linked to NDMA exposure, and this was a major finding for anyone who took Zantac for long periods.

Other Types of Cancer

While the evidence for some types of cancer is still debated, other cancers have also been mentioned in connection with Zantac and NDMA exposure. Here’s a list of other cancers that might be linked to the drug:

  • Esophageal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Uterine cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Nasal/throat cancer
  • Small intestine cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Brain cancer

What Should You Do if You Took Zantac?

If you took Zantac or any ranitidine product and were later diagnosed with any of the cancers listed above, you might be eligible to take legal action. Many people are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers, claiming that they were not properly warned about the risks of NDMA contamination in Zantac.

It’s also important to check if you still have any old Zantac bottles at home, and if you do, make sure to dispose of them properly. It’s been removed from the market, but it’s always good to be aware of what you have around.

Also, it’s not just Zantac. Ranitidine is the active ingredient in Zantac, but there are other versions of this drug available by prescription or over the counter. All of them could have been contaminated with NDMA, so if you took a generic version of ranitidine, you might have been exposed to the same risks.

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