13 individuals have collectively filed a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Ohio against Zantac, a heartburn medication that is sold over the counter in pharmacies. The plaintiffs, who seek to represent all Americans who have used Zantac, are seeking more than $5 million in damages and remedies including medical monitoring after Zantac was found to contain N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, which is a probable human carcinogen.
Now, the US Food and Drug Administration is requesting that manufacturers pull all Zantac medications from the market immediately. The FDA has been investigating levels of NDMA in ranitidine since 2019.
The plaintiffs hail from Arizona, Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, Indiana, West Virginia, Colorado, and Illinois, and have argued that anyone who has taken Zantac qualifies as a potential class participant. According to evidence, Zantac can break down in the body as a result of normal digestion, which can produce traces of NDMA.
The FDA has since sent letters to all ranitidine manufacturers to request withdrawal, and have advised consumers to stop taking ranitidine tablets or liquid medications and dispose of them properly. They’re requesting that users follow disposal instructions on their website, rather than return them to drug take-back locations, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While NDMA has been confirmed in Zantac, the FDA has not found it in some other ranitidine products and requests that patients consult with other doctors about alternative treatments before they stop taking the medicine.
What is Ranitidine?
Ranitidine is available both over the counter and by prescription and is known as an H2 (histamine-2) blocker. The drug is used to treat heartburn as well as more serious ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Zantac is sold by the drug company known as Sanofi and is typically used regularly for long periods, which can increase potential exposure to NDMA.
The plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit also argue that while Zantac was being sold, there was already existing evidence that showed Zantac exposed users to unsafe NDMA levels, yet the companies failed to provide an adequate warning.
What to Do If You’re a Zantac User
If you’re currently using Zantac, it’s recommended that you contact your doctor to learn about other options, as well as to be advised on how to stop taking the medication safely. The FDA is not currently calling for individuals to stop taking the medication.
Protecting Your Consumer Rights After Injury & Illness
When you take prescribed medication, you rarely wonder if the medication is going to make your condition worse. We trust our FDA-approved medications and products because they’ve been tested and rigorously inspected. Sometimes, this isn’t always the case. If you have suffered from adverse effects as a result of your medication or product, call our class action litigation attorneys immediately. If you’ve been injured or have fallen ill, chances are, other users have, too. Our team has recovered billions of dollars for victims in class action lawsuits, including a $4 billion verdict against a large tobacco corporation and $10 million for clients impacted by the BP oil spill incident. We’re not afraid to hold powerful corporations and entities responsible for their wrongdoings.
If you’ve been harmed due to a medical product or drug, you deserve to seek compensation and help the countless other users who may also be affected. The Law Offices of David C. Rash has recovered billions of dollars for those in class-action lawsuits and has the resources needed to represent you. Call our team for a free consultation today at (954) 914-7116, or contact us online.