Many people experience heartburn. Some might just pass it off as nothing more than a fleeting condition, however it can be a lot worse for other patients. Fortunately, one can find relief from this health issue by consuming certain medications, like Zantac.
This medicine, however, has been found to increase the risk of users contracting serious health concerns, such as cancer. Continue reading to know more about Zantac, its potential adverse effects, as well as the lawsuit it has been embroiled in.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name of the drug called ranitidine, a medicine that provides relief from specific stomach and digestive problems. Doctors can prescribe this medicine to patients who are experiencing stress-related ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
This drug is part of a class of medicines called H2 blockers, which can shut off acid production in the stomach. Inhibiting this physiological response may help lower the risks of other health issues, like heartburn and acid reflux.
But, Zantac consumption may lead to certain health complications. Some adverse effects brought by this drug include:
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Chest pain
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Nausea
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Excessive sweating
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Arm or shoulder pain
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Shortness of breath
Furthermore, Zantac has been found to contain an ingredient called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a cancer-causing compound.
Can Zantac Cause Cancer?
Cancer from Zantac is highly possible. As already mentioned above, this is caused by the medication’s NDMA component.
As per a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), NDMAs are potential carcinogens, as denoted by laboratory experiments with animals. Such a compound can lead to cancer through an enzyme-producing process that involves the liver. These enzymes, then, become DNA adducts, which has shown evidence of carcinogenicity.
Long-term exposure to high levels of NDMA may lead to symptoms, including:
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Headache
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Fever
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Jaundice
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Vomiting
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Reduced liver, kidney, and lung function
What Is Zantac Lawsuit?
GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the original maker of Zantac, is facing a class-action lawsuit after the US Food and Drug Administration has deemed the drug to be unsafe for prolonged use. The government agency has found that the medication contains NDMA levels that are 3,000 to 26,000 times higher than the approved FDA standards.
The US FDA has accused Zantac makers of knowing that the amount of NDMA placed in the drug can put users at a high risk of contracting cancer. Furthermore, the company never disclosed this potentially life-threatening adverse effect to consumers or the government.
Such has led to the birth of the Zantac lawsuit, which is a legal claim that seeks to provide financial compensation to individuals who acquired cancer from taking the said medication. Authorities have classified this legal action as an individual lawsuit, which means one plaintiff files a complaint against a defendant.
Who Can File For A Zantac Lawsuit Claim?
Individuals who have been taking Zantac for extended periods of time can file for a Zantac lawsuit claim.
Make sure to contact a reliable attorney that can help you win the case against the makers of this ranitidine medicine. Research about the firm you’re eyeing to work with, and you should have a good chance of winning that claim.
Conclusion
Zantac is a medicine that can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms, including heartburn. But, prolonged use of the medicine may cause life-threatening adverse effects. These severe side effects include respiratory problems and cancer.
If you’ve been taking Zantac for an extended period before its recall, it should be in your best interest to seek legal assistance. Gather all pertinent information you can find to help prove that you gained cancer from using the heartburn medicine. Also, contract the services of an established law firm to help you understand all available legal options. A trusted lawyer can increase your chances of successfully obtaining financial compensation.
