Zantac Liver Cancer Risk: What We Know
Does Zantac cause liver cancer? Since the FDA recalled Zantac and generic ranitidine based on possible cancer-causing NDMA contamination, many patients are asking questions about potential Zantac liver cancer risk.
Here’s what you need to know about the risk of liver cancer potentially caused by Zantac.
BACKGROUND: Zantac NDMA Contamination
In late 2019, an independent lab reported that it had found NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine), a dangerous chemical that causes cancer, in Zantac and other ranitidine-containing medications. The FDA investigated and in April 2020 ordered all manufacturers to stop selling Zantac due to the potential risk of cancer, including liver cancer.
In a statement, the FDA called levels of NDMA in Zantac “unacceptable.”
Patients taking over-the-counter Zantac were advised to stop taking the medication immediately, and those taking prescription Zantac and ranitidine were encouraged to speak with their doctors immediately and consider Zantac alternatives.
NDMA contamination means that Zantac may cause several different kinds of cancer, and the potential Zantac liver cancer threat is real.
“Does Zantac cause liver cancer?”
Zantac has been found to be contaminated with NDMA, and may potentially cause liver cancer, and potentially more than 20 other types of cancer.
A report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry found that “when rats, mice, hamsters, and other animals ate food, drank water, or breathed air containing lower levels of NDMA for periods more than several weeks, liver cancer and lung cancer as well as non-cancerous liver damage occurred.”
The report noted that non-cancerous liver damage occurred in some animals exposed to elevated levels of NDMA, as well.
A 2006 study published in a Danish scientific journal was more blunt:
“N-nitrosodimethylamine causes liver cancer,” the study’s authors stated. They concluded, “Volatile N-nitrosamines induce tumors in a variety of human organs, including the tongue, esophagus, lung, pancreas, liver, kidney, and bladder.”
Zantac liver cancer risk is particularly elevated because multiple scientific studies have shown that NDMA can cause digestive tract cancers specifically. The liver is a part of the digestive system. Other digestive system cancers, including esophageal, stomach, and pancreas may be caused by contaminated Zantac, as well.
In the wake of the FDA’s warning, researchers at Sloan Memorial Cancer Center are reportedly working to identify cancers that may be associated with elevated NDMA levels, including liver cancer.
So, if you’re wondering if Zantac causes liver cancer, the short answer is that while a specific causal relationship between contaminated Zantac and liver cancer has not been determined in humans, NDMA (the contaminant found in Zantac) is known to cause this type of cancer.
Have you been diagnosed with liver cancer (or another type of cancer) after taking Zantac?
FEBRUARY 2023 UPDATE: Due to recent developments in the litigation, our firm is no longer accepting Zantac claims. Please stay tuned to our website for the latest information and updates.
If you’ve taken brand-name Zantac for more than 6 months and have been diagnosed with any of the following cancers, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Bladder cancer
The risk of liver cancer and other cancers is thought to be elevated by taking potentially NDMA-contaminated Zantac.
For a FREE consultation with an experienced Zantac lawyer please call 1-800-525-7111.
FEBRUARY 2023 UPDATE: Due to recent developments in the litigation, our firm is no longer accepting Zantac claims. Please stay tuned to our website for the latest information and updates.
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.
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.
We will evaluate your case for free and advise you on your legal options. If you hire us to handle your Zantac cancer claim, there are no upfront costs and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
Why Riddle & Brantley for your Zantac cancer lawsuit?
At Riddle & Brantley, our law firm has been helping hold drug companies accountable for decades. We’ve built our reputation on our tireless commitment to fighting for justice to victims of others’ negligence.
Our team is led by Gene Riddle, an award-winning injury attorney who is a member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Super Lawyers. He received the 2014 Litigator Award and has been honored with the prestigious AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell (see disclaimer below).
In more than 35 years of service, we’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for victims (see disclaimer below). Our attorneys collectively have more than 220+ years of experience.
We would love to help you get the justice you deserve.
For a FREE consultation regarding a potential Zantac liver cancer (or other type of cancer potentially caused by Zantac) lawsuit, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the short form below.
There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation.
We’re proud to fight for victims of dangerous drugs and are humbled by the words of our clients:
“It was nice to see Riddle & Brantley put me and my needs first.”
-R. Colley, Riddle & Brantley client
Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Zantac cancer lawyer.
We believe Justice Counts for victims of dangerous drugs and we would love to help you get justice and compensation if we can.
*** Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to constitute a promise or guarantee of a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.
*** Disclaimer: An attorney must meet certain requirements to join these organizations or receive these awards. For more information on Membership Criteria for Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and the Litigator Award, please visit our Membership Criteria page. These awards and memberships should not be construed as a promise or guarantee of a similar result. Each case is different and must be evaluated separately.