As a result of the consolidation of approximately 140 Zantac lawsuits, plaintiffs and defendants have submitted a proposal that would allow direct filing of lawsuits in the Southern District of Florida to promote judicial efficiency. According to a statement submitted on March 16, direct filing would “eliminate delays” associated with the transfer of other Zantac lawsuits from other U.S. District Courts. The decision to consolidate federal cases involving Zantac was made in early 2020 as plaintiffs claimed that the use of Zantac led to adverse health effects, including cancer and other serious complications.
If you or your loved one has been injured after using Zantac, or a similar drug containing ranitidine, contact Attorney Group today. Affected patients and their families may be able to pursue a claim and recover compensation with the help of a dangerous drug attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Zantac Recalls Prompting Numerous Lawsuits in Federal Court
After voluntary recalls of Zantac began to emerge in mid-September 2019, numerous lawsuits have been filed on behalf of plaintiffs who claim that the popular heartburn drug led to the development of certain forms of cancer. Plaintiffs in those lawsuits claim that medicines containing ranitidine (brand name Zantac) could potentially lead to bladder cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, and other types of cancer affecting the digestive tract.
Zantac is a H2 (histamine-2) blocker most often used to treat certain conditions associated with heartburn, ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Zantac is available with a prescription or as an over-the-counter medication.
On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to patients, health professionals and pharmacies after the agency discovered low levels of a nitrosamine impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in some ranitidine medicines, including generic forms of Zantac. According to the agency’s warning, NDMA is “classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer)” and is a “known environmental contaminant” found in water and many of the foods we eat.
Since the FDA’s initial warning, dozens of pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies have issued voluntary Zantac recalls. The FDA is advising companies to “recall their ranitidine if testing shows levels of NDMA above the acceptable daily intake (96 nanograms per day).” In addition, patients taking the medication by prescription are advised to discuss the issue with their doctor or health care provider.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Drug makers have a duty to provide safe products. If there are risks of harm associated with their products, they also must provide adequate warnings. If a drug maker fails to fulfill this duty, it could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured by Zantac and other similar heartburn medications containing ranitidine may be able to recover money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
The families of those who have died may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have.
There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
