Summary
Zantac is the brand name for the prescription and over the counter drug ranitidine, which began selling in 1982 and was heavily marketed to treat gastric issues such as acid reflux and ulcers. It was discovered that the drugs contained a carcinogenic substance called NDMA which is known to be toxic to humans and has been shown to cause various types of cancer. It was banned by the FDA in 2020. Since that time, Zantac lawsuits and Zantac class action litigation have been filed, and are now in their early stages. Turnbull, Holcomb & Moak are capable and experienced attorneys who can take Zantac mass tort cases such as these the full distance to a jury trial. Contact us for a free evaluation of your case.
What is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand-name for the drug ranitidine, which is an acid reducer used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and gastric ulcers. Ranitidine was first created in England in 1977 in the research laboratories of what was then “Glaxo.” Following several mergers and acquisitions, “Glaxo” became what we now know as GlaxoSmithKline Corporation. Ranitidine was introduced to the market in 1981. By 1987, it was the highest selling prescription drug worldwide. Zantac continued to be heavily marketed drug until its recall. It was very common to see a Zantac commercial featuring cartoon firemen putting out the “flames” of acid reflux. Zantac and ranitidine were available both by prescription and over the counter, and were consumed by millions of people until the drug taken off the market in 2019.
Why Is Zantac Dangerous?
Zantac and ranitidine were found to contain an impurity which is a known human carcinogen called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Studies of NDMA have shown that the chemical can cause cancer in humans. Although NDMA is found in small amounts in processed foods such as beer, fish, cured meats such as bacon, cheese and even vegetables, in these small doses it can be processed by the liver and expelled from the body via exhaled air or urine. The problem with Zantac and ranitidine is that the amounts of NDMA are so high and the exposure so regular that these high levels of NDMA become toxic to the body. This toxicity can cause severe adverse effects, since the body cannot break down these highly concentrated toxins. Not only did the drugs contain large amounts of NDMA at the time of Zantac’s manufacture, but it was also discovered that the longer the drugs sat on the shelf that the higher the concentrations of NDMBA therein, since the molecular structures of ranitidine breaks down into higher concentrations of NDMA with time.
What Are The Diseases Linked To Zantac?
Studies about victims who have taken Zantac, often in large quantities and/or for large periods of time, have shown that many people have developed a wide variety of cancers as a result of Zantac. In the course of these studies, it was found that a large portion of those who were tested had no family history or genetic markers for cancer. After speculation about an environmental or external influence that was causing these cancers, it was discovered that many had the commonality of having taken Zantac and/or ranitidine. Based on the research and the subsequent fallout from what we now know about these drugs, we now believe that the following types of cancers are very likely linked to the use of Zantac and ranitidine: liver cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer. There are also some other health conditions that are believed to have a link to Zantac, such as Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) and Crohn’s Disease.
When Was Zantac Recalled?
On September 13, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning which stated that Zantac contained unacceptable levels of NDMA. Immediately after the warning was issued, several of the drug’s major retailers, such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite-Aid, began pulling the product off the shelves and out of their pharmacies. In April of 2020, the FDA told all manufacturers to stop selling Zantac, since the risk of serious negative health effects—including the many deadly cancers listed above—is so high. Though only a short period of time has passed since the drug’s recall, lawsuits and litigation area already appearing in very high numbers due to the high number of victims that have been affected.
What Is The Basis For Zantac Lawsuits?
Victims and the attorneys representing them are claiming that the manufacturers knew the drug contained the carcinogenic chemical NDMA, and that Zantac’s molecular instability caused the amount of NDMA therein to increase over time. The marketing and labels on the drug failed to warn consumers about the potential for cancer caused by using the drug. After GlaxoSmithKline’s patent on Zantac expired, the drug was manufactured and sold by several other companies. As such, possible defendants in these cases include GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi-Aventis US, LLC, Sanofi US Services, Inc., Chattem, Inc., Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. Litigation for the victims being represented in these cases is still in the early stages, and the earliest trials may occur in 2022. Currently, the United States Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida has been designated as the court for a “Multi-District Litigation” about Zantac, where hundreds of lawsuits are pending.
Turnbull, Holcomb & Moak Zantac Lawsuits
Litigation and a trial of a lawsuit of this scope and nature is a monumental task. A Zantac lawsuit has the potential to involve many defendants, untold millions of pages of disclosure, dozens of depositions and easily thousands of hours of preparation for the ultimate goal of justice for the person affected by the negligence of these manufacturers and their indifference to safety. Turnbull, Holcomb & Moak have the resources, expertise, and experience to try this type of case and achieves a successful outcome, one which not only compensates the victims but includes punitive damages for the failures of the pharmaceutical companies who must be held accountable for their negligence and indifference to the victims. Whether you are an attorney currently representing a victim of Zantac or a person or family member of someone directly affected, you can end your search for representation here and trust Turnbull, Holcomb & Moak to not only litigate your case, but carry it all the way to trial for the best possible outcome.
Our Qualifications for Zantac Lawsuits
At Turnbull, Holcomb & Moak, we are recognized as a national law firm and are licensed in over 8 states. Our reputation speaks for itself, and we are known for our enduring resolve to take cases to trial that other attorneys simply did not have the capabilities and resources for. Numerous trials with successful outcomes and regular trial awards exceeding our clients’ expectations, we regularly push the bar higher in our efforts to bring justice to plaintiffs who need the best representation at trial. Preparation is the name of the game when we appear in the courtroom at trial. We focus on strategic structuring of trial arguments, in-depth witness preparation, comprehensive jury research, case strategies built through focus groups and mock trials and have a reputation for winning against deep pocketed corporations. We offer regular communication and case updates to parties of interest, competitive fee agreements and are committed to maximizing results.
What’s next?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, Primary Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH) or Crohn’s Disease after regularly taking Zantac, you are in the right place. Similarly, if you are an attorney who is currently representing a client who wants to further litigate their claim against a Zantac manufacturer and take it to trial, then you are in the right place. Or if your client has decided to opt-out of a class action settlement, your search ends here. Simply call us at (888) 488-9616 or contact us on our website to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a highly qualified trial attorney to discuss how we can help and take your case to the next level.
