What is the Cancer-Causing Agent in Zantac?

WARNING: The FDA has issued a Zantac recall and asked manufacturers of Zantac and ranitidine to stop selling the prescription and over-the-counter medications. This is based on potential contamination by the cancer-causing agent in Zantac: NDMA.

In the wake of the FDA’s warning that Zantac may cause cancer, many are wondering: “What is the cancer-causing agent in Zantac?”

NDMA is a potentially cancer-causing agent in Zantac that may result in the development of many types of cancer, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Intestinal cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Throat/nasal cancer
• Lung cancer (if you’ve never smoked)
• Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
• Multiple myeloma
• Leukemia

What is NDMA?

NDMA (N- Nitrosodimethylamine) is a potentially dangerous and cancer-causing chemical that is classified as a “probable carcinogen” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to Dr. William Mitch, a professor at Stanford University, NDMA is a cancer-causing agent “because it modifies your DNA.”

NDMA occurs in industrial and natural processes, and is even found in trace amounts in many foods and even water. In low doses, ingestion of NDMA is not thought to cause cancer, but elevated levels of NDMA – such as found in Zantac – present a serious cancer risk.

The FDA lists the maximum permissible daily exposure to NDMA in pharmaceuticals as 96 ng. However, independent tests have discovered more than 40,000 ng of NDMA present in the urine of study subjects who had taken ranitidine.

In recent years, elevated levels of NDMA have also been discovered in groundwater in the United States.

What does NDMA do to humans?

In high doses, such as those detected in Zantac and ranitidine, NDMA may cause various types of cancer (see above), but there are additional dangers, as well.

Potential symptoms and conditions associated with elevated levels of NDMA in humans include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Fever
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps

According to a report, high levels of NDMA may also cause reduced function of the kidneys and lungs.

IMPORTANT: If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms after taking Zantac or generic ranitidine (either prescription or over-the-counter), consult with your doctor right away. Zantac alternatives are available.

Potentially Cancer-Causing Agent NDMA Found in Zantac

The FDA and independent labs have detected “unacceptable” levels of the potential cancer-causing agent NDMA in Zantac and ranitidine.

Do you qualify for a Zantac cancer lawsuit?

FEBRUARY 2023 UPDATE: Due to developments in the litigation, at this time we can no longer accept additional Zantac claims. Please stay tuned to our website for the latest information and updates. 

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking brand-name Zantac or a combination of brand-name and generic versions, you may have a claim for Zantac compensation.

For a FREE consultation with an experienced Zantac cancer lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, the federal MDL has limited the Zantac claims we can accept to bladder, esophageal, stomach, liver, and pancreatic cancers only. We understand that other cancers may be linked, but we are unfortunately unable to assist with these claims at this time due to evidence and recent court rulings.

IMPORTANT: A federal judge recently ruled against lawsuits concerning generic Zantac. At this point, we can only accept cases concerning use of brand-name Zantac OR “mixed” use of brand-name Zantac and generic equivalents.

Our Zantac lawyers have been holding drug companies accountable for more than three decades and together have more than 220+ years of combined legal experience. We would love to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your case.

You may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

“Those who have suffered from cancer as a result of contaminated drugs deserve justice.”

-Gene Riddle, managing partner and attorney, Riddle & Brantley

We believe Justice Counts for those diagnosed with cancer potentially as a result of taking NDMA-contaminated Zantac or ranitidine.

The consultation is free, there is no obligation, and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation. Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s talk.

***Disclaimer: No settlement agreement has been reached in any litigation regarding ranitidine (ZANTAC®), including in the Multidistrict Litigation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (case no. 20-MD-2924).