Think all OTC medicine is safe? Think again, Zantac
This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm.
Over the counter medication use is the norm in the United States, with nine out of 10 people using OTC options on a regular basis. Most popular OTC medications include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), as well as antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin).
For those who struggle with heartburn, ranitidine drugs like Zantac can be used for relief. However, after, high levels of a chemical previously known to have been used in rocket fuel were found in the popular medication, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requested that drugs containing ranitidine be pulled from the market almost a year ago.
"A lab test confirmed that Zantac heartburn medication was contaminated with a carcinogen and was a harm to consumers due to dangerous levels of a cancer-causing agent," said Ben Whitley, and attorney at the Raleigh-based Whitley Law Firm. "For those who have been using OTC medications that contain ranitidine, the FDA has urged people to immediately stop using it and properly dispose of it."
A specific component of ranitidine, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), is present in high enough levels in drugs like Zantac that they exceed the FDA level, indirectly increasing the risk of cancer.
While the FDA recall happened over a year ago, the statute of limitations for people who were diagnosed with cancer before the Zantac recall is in 2022. For those who believe they may have a case against Zantac, it's recommended to enlist the help of a legal professional sooner rather than later.
Cancers associated with Zantac at this point include:
- Breast Cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Liver cancer
- Intestinal cancer
For those who used Zantac and developed one of these cancers, legal representation could help you gain compensation.
"Every producer of these products in North Carolina and throughout the United States has a responsibility to wholly test all items that will be released to the consumers," said Whitley. "This is especially true in cases where a consumer is using medication. The manufacturer of ranitidine medications, Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, may have failed in this duty by allowing a known carcinogen to appear in excess in their products."
Many individuals rely on OTC medication for pain and other condition management — from headaches and nausea to allergy flare ups and heartburn — it's crucial that these medications bring them peace of mind and relief, not put them in further danger.
Individuals must meet a certain number of criteria in order to be eligible for a Zantac lawsuit, including proof of medication use, a cancer diagnosis, and proof of a link between the two.
For those with a solid case, the clock is ticking on filing a suit.
"With the statute of limitations coming up in 2022 for people who were diagnosed with cancer before the Zantac recall, time is of the essence," said Whitley. "If time expires before a case is filed, they may miss out on any compensation that they should be otherwise rightly entitled to."
This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm.
