Many people are aware that ranitidine, known by the brand name Zantac, and other similar heartburn medications were recalled due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing material. While many people think that this problem only concerned consumers who bought the medication, we have also learned that hospitals have had to check their deliveries of Zantac to see if they have also been recalled. The award-winning product liability team at Colson Hicks Eidson wants to discuss this latest development in the scope of the wider Zantac lawsuits across the US.
Do hospital patients need to be concerned about taking Zantac?
There are currently more than 140 lawsuits pending against Sanofi, the makers of Zantac. In the coming months, there are expected to be more cases filed. All of the federal cases against Sanofi have been consolidated under Florida District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg in the Southern District of Florida.
A recall of Zantac was issued last year after testing indicated that there were high levels of probably human carcinogen N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Zantac. The plaintiffs have said that the company did not warn consumers of the dangers of taking the medication and concealed knowledge of the health risks posed by the drug.
At the end of last month, it was revealed that hospitals that use prescription-strength ranitidine (Zantac is the brand name) from American Health Packaging need to check and see if the products are under recall.
American Health Packaging repackaged ranitidine made by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, which were also recalled due to NDMA contamination. The FDA has recommended that tablets from recalled lots be quarantined from other tablets so they are not mistakenly given to patients.
This is a troubling combination of events, as medication errors are already a leading cause of medical mistakes that occur in hospital settings. Faulty products in the health system can pose serious problems for patients. Hospital patients should never have to worry about a medication error, much less being given a medication that has been recalled. The makers of any contaminated ranitidine should be held accountable if they cause patients harm.
While a few doses of ranitidine may not be enough to cause significant harm, many people have been taking Zantac for years, potentially compounding the health risks.
Let us help you through this
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer and you believe it was caused due to taking Zantac, you need to speak with an attorney today. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our knowledgeable and experienced team has extensive experience helping clients with product liability cases in Florida and throughout the US. We will work to secure the compensation you need, including:
- Cost of all medical bills related to the cancer
- Recovery of income and benefits lost if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against Sanofi, Zantac’s manufacturer
When you need a Zantac cancer attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
