Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers to pull Zantac and any generic versions of ranitidine off the shelves. Over the last year, it has become abundantly clear that this medication could contain unsafe levels of a carcinogenic chemical called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). There have been several lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of Zantac, and the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) ordered a consolidation of all Zantac lawsuits that were filed federally. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally-recognized product liability team wants to discuss what you can do if you have taken Zantac and become ill.
How do you know if you need to seek medical assistance?
First and foremost, we advise you to seek assistance from a medical professional anytime you think there may be a problem with your health. Seeking help from a trained physician is the only way to receive a proper diagnosis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled NDMA as a carcinogen and has said in the past that it could cause colorectal cancer in humans when consumed in large amounts over long periods of time.
Patients who have been taking Zantacor other over-the-counter ranitidine to treat heartburn for long periods of time may want to consider being tested for colorectal cancer. You may also want to inquire about being tested for gastric cancer or other cancers of the stomach as well. Some of the following are signs and symptoms of colon cancer that you need to be aware of:
- Anemia related to bleeding in the intestine
- Sudden or persistent changes in stool (including diarrhea andconstipation)
- Pain, cramps, or gas in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated or your gut never feeling empty even after defecating
- Constant fatigue or weakness
- Any unexpected loss of weight
There are various other risk factors as a family history of colon cancer. African Americans also face a higher risk of colon cancer. You should ask family members to determine if any of them or older relatives have been diagnosed with colon cancer in the past.
Early detection of the cancers that are caused by Zantac is vital. If you have taken any kind of ranitidine medications for long periods of time, call your doctor as soon as possible to express your concerns and determine whether or not you should have any tests run.
Let us help you through this today
If you or somebody you love has taken Zantac and subsequently been diagnosed with cancer, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are dedicated to helping victims secure compensation when prescription drug companies are negligent in their duties. We will thoroughly investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you are entitled to, including coverage of your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering damages, and possibly punitive damages against Sanofi, the maker of Zantac. Let our award-winning product liability lawyers take your case. Whether you are in Florida or anywhere in the US, we are ready to step in and help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
