NDMA has been found in Zantac and other ranitidine products at levels that exceed the acceptable daily intake limit for NDMA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of all ranitidine products, including Zantac, after testing revealed unacceptable levels of NDMA in the medications.
N-nitrosodimethylamine, commonly abbreviated as NDMA, is a probable human carcinogen found in Zantac, generic ranitidine products, and other common medications used to treat heartburn and other disorders.
Ranitidine products include many generic and over the counter (OTC) versions of Zantac.
What is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine, a medication that is used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues. Zantac is available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) versions. Ranitidine products are also available as generic medications. You can find them at your local pharmacy or drug store frequently.
What cancers are associated with ranitidine medication?
Long-term exposure to NDMA above the acceptable daily intake limit may increase the risk of cancer in humans. Exposure to NDMA from ranitidine and Zantac may increase the risk of developing several types of cancer, some mentioned here below (not a comprehensive list):
- Stomach cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Leukemia
- and more…
The cancer risk from NDMA in ranitidine was thought to be low enough at first. However, the FDA has issued a voluntary recall after more and more Zantac-related cancer cases were brought forward.
If you have taken Zantac or other ranitidine products and have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible for compensation. Our attorneys are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of people who have been diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac or other ranitidine products.
Symptoms of NDMA poisoning from Ranitidine
NDMA exposure can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on the level of exposure and the length of time exposed. Some common symptoms of NDMA poisoning include:
- Cancer
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Anemia
- Kidney damage
- Liver damage
About the FDA Zantac Recall
On September 24, 2019, the FDA announced that the Sandoz Company had initiated a voluntary 14-day recall for fourteen lots of prescription Zantac. After detecting NDMA in some of its heartburn medication manufactured in capsule format, Sandoz took this step. Within a few weeks, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, discontinued sales of ranitidine products.
The FDA released a study on November 1, 2019, revealing that it had found NDMA in 18 distinct ranitidine products ranging from 0.03 to 2.85 parts per million. The US Food and Drug Administration highlighted the fact that the level of NDMA was comparable to what consumers may find in smoked or grilled meats.
On December 4, 2019, the FDA issued a recommendation to drug producers to conduct Ranitidine Testing on all lots. The FDA advised drug manufacturers not to sell any Zantac product if the NDMA content was above the acceptable daily intake and to notify the FDA of their activities.
Because of the risk of severe adverse events, several drug firms decided to cease production and sale of prescription ranitidine and OTC ranitidine. In April 2020, the FDA requested all manufacturers and retail outlets to stop producing and selling prescription ranitidine as well as over-the-counter ranitidine due to the presence of NDMA.
Later in 2020, toxic amounts of NDMA were also being found in unrelated medications due to cross-contamination. Some of these include Valsartan and Losartan, common high blood pressure, and heart medications.
If you, a loved one, or a family member have taken prescription Zantac or over the counter Zantac 150, Zantac 150 Cool Mint, Zantac 75, generic Zantac (ranitidine), and have experienced any of these side effects or cancer risks associated with this drug, please call us!
