When you buy medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, you should never have to worry about impurities when you are taking it. Most Americans take for granted that their medications will be safe to use. However, as we have learned due to recent medication recalls, sometimes potentially cancer-causing impurities make it into commercially available drug products. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally-recognized product liability law firm is dedicated to helping injured clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Proper Testing Is Essential
Over the last year, nearly every type of Zantac has been recalled due to possible contamination of the cancer-causing carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). As of this writing, there have been 141 lawsuits filed against the producers of ranitidine. As we have previously reported, these cases have been consolidated and sent to a Florida US District Judge.
The contamination of NDMA was discovered by the online pharmacy Valisure, which tests all pharmaceuticals before they dispense them. This has led to many people wondering why a private company, not the FDA, was the one to discover the impurities. Valisure has indicated that they believe the contamination happens during manufacturing.
As reported by Technology Networks, certain pharmaceutical manufacturing processes can result in genotoxic impurities, such as NDMA, in medications. Documentation from the European Medicines Agency highlights sources of these impurities in several active pharmaceutical ingredient processing conditions and materials. The EMA also says that the use of sodium and other nitrates, as well as the inclusion of contaminated raw materials, could lead to NDMA and other harmful substances being present in medications.
NDMA can be difficult to detect in standard lab tests that are used and reviewed during routine quality control checks. Since the discovery of NDMA in several medications over the last few years, agencies around the world have been sharing analytical methods for testing. Manufacturers are now under intense pressure to carry out more rigorous quality control assessments for their products.
Looking Towards The Future
Ideally, we would never have to worry about cancer-causing carcinogens in our medications. However, if there is a silver lining to the Zantac recalls, it could be that we end up with improved medication screening measures at the manufacturing level. This means safer prescription and over-the-counter drugs for all of us.
We Are Ready To Take Your Case
Zantac lawsuit attorney at Colson Hicks Eidson does not hesitate to stand up for those who have been harmed by faulty prescription medications. With the advances in modern technology, there is no excuse for impurities within our prescription or over-the-counter medications. If you or a loved one had become ill after using a dangerous drug, contact our award-winning product liability lawyers. We help clients in Florida and throughout the United States recover the compensation they need in these cases, including their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
