Leonard S. Slavit | August 22, 2024
The manufacturers of Zantac, a popular over-the-counter drug used to treat heartburn, are facing more than 70,000 lawsuits after it was found that one of its key ingredients was carcinogenic. The manufacturers involved in the lawsuits, which include the likes of Pfizer, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim, attempted to have the cases thrown out in Delaware Superior Court. However, the attempt failed, and now the companies must face serious potential liability related to the drug.
What is Zantac?
Zantac is the brand name commonly used for the drug ranitidine, a common drug used to treat heartburn which is available both over-the-counter and as a prescription medication. It works by reducing the amount of stomach acid produced by the body, which in turn reduces the effects of acid reflux. It is also sometimes used to treat stomach ulcers and other related conditions.
Why Are People Suing?
More than 70,000 people have sued the manufacturers of Zantac after it was found that it could break down over time into another chemical called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Exposure to high heat can also cause the drug to break down in this way, or accelerate the process. The lawsuit alleges that Zantac’s manufacturers knew of this issue, but intentionally concealed it from regulators and the public.
What Are the Potential Effects of NDMA?
NDMA is a fairly common chemical that is known to have a carcinogenic effect on humans and other mammals. Exposure to NDMA is known to cause a number of different types of cancer, including liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. It has sometimes been found as a byproduct of other drugs, including metformin and certain heart pressure medications.
Why Does This Matter?
By allegedly concealing knowledge about the ability of Zantac to break down into NDMA, these drug manufacturers may have increased the risks of cancer in people who took the drug. This, in turn, decreased their life expectancy and their quality of life. It also cost them an enormous amount of money to treat these conditions that they might otherwise not have suffered from.
If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking the advice from an attorney experienced in personal injury law will help assure you get the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Levine and Slavit, PLLC assist clients in New York City and Long Island in obtaining the damages they need to cope with being the victim of negligence. For more information or to schedule a consultation with our New York personal injury lawyers, call (888) LAW-8088 or fill out our contact form.