Zantac Pancreatic Cancer Risk
Does Zantac cause pancreatic cancer? The FDA has determined that Zantac and generic ranitidine are contaminated with cancer-causing NDMA. Based on prevailing scientific evidence, it seems evident that exposure to Zantac (ranitidine) may cause pancreatic cancer in humans. In this blog post, we’ll examine potential Zantac pancreatic cancer risk.
BACKGROUND
Zantac is the brand name for ranitidine, and both can be bought over the counter (OTC) or by prescription. Over the years, thousands if not millions of people in the United States have taken Zantac as well as other ranitidine products for health issues such as acid reflux, heartburn and ulcers. Recently, testing has detected the probable carcinogen N-nitrosodimdethytlamine (NDMA) in Zantac (ranitidine). Scientific research suggests that NDMA in Zantac may cause pancreatic cancer, and more than 20 other cancers potentially connected to Zantac.
This carcinogen — which has been linked to pancreatic cancer, among others — has been found in OTC as well as prescription medications containing ranitidine.
Recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated ranitidine after discovering that samples contained trace elements of the known carcinogen NDMA. If you have taken Zantac or its generic version ranitidine, you may have noticed it isn’t available at pharmacies any longer. This is because the FDA and drug makers recalled it due to safety concerns.
NDMA-contaminated Zantac may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, among many other types of cancer.
What is Ranitidine (Zantac)?
Ranitidine (brand name Zantac) is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist, also known as an H2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. H2 blockers are available by prescription or over the counter. Many people took these heartburn medications for decades, believing they were safe. Contaminated Zantac and ranitidine are now associated with various forms of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
Does NDMA in Zantac Cause Pancreatic Cancer?
Many patients who have taken Zantac or ranitidine are concerned by reports of NDMA contamination in Zantac. This contaminant has been linked to pancreatic cancer, among many others, and research suggests there may be elevated risk of pancreatic cancer associated with NDMA-contaminated Zantac.
Exposure to significant levels of NDMA is thought to cause cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Here’s what we know about pancreatic cancer and Zantac, specifically:
The pancreas secretes enzymes that aid digestion and hormones that help regulate the metabolism of sugar. It is a small but powerful organ that is located in the abdomen below the liver and behind the lower half of the stomach. Cells in the pancreas have two primary functions: Exocrine cells produce enzymes that help the body digest food, and endocrine glands produce hormones that help control blood sugar – such as insulin.
In 2019, a study found insufficient evidence that NDMA causes pancreatic cancer, but researchers noted that “biologically plausible finding for pancreatic carcinogens, NDEA and NDMA, warrant further prospective investigation.”
However, the potential Zantac pancreatic cancer risk is further elevated by a study published in 2003 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, which found that “Many features of the evidence … of pancreatic cancer appear to support connections with N-nitroso compounds [including NDMA] and with gastric acidity.”
While no research has established a direct, causal relationship between contaminated Zantac and pancreatic cancer, the available scientific data supports the possibility of Zantac pancreatic cancer risk.
In early 2020, a plaintiff filed a lawsuit against various manufacturers of Zantac and ranitidine, alleging that taking Zantac resulted in his pancreatic cancer diagnosis in 2019.
If you believe that taking Zantac or ranitidine resulted in your pancreatic cancer diagnosis, you may be entitled to compensation.
Our experienced Zantac cancer lawyers are ready to help however we can. We’ve been fighting for justice for victims of dangerous drugs since 1985 and are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
For a FREE, no-obligation consultation, please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.
There is no upfront cost and you’ll only pay attorney fees if we win your case and you receive financial compensation for pancreatic cancer you’ve suffered, potentially due to brand-name Zantac or a combination of the brand-name and generic medications.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your Zantac pancreatic cancer claim.
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.
Zantac Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuits
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.
Pancreatic cancer — which may be connected to NDMA contamination in Zantac and ranitidine — is aggressive and forms in the cells of the pancreas. According to the American Cancer Association, in 2020, it is estimated that over 57,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer accounts for about 3 percent of new cancer diagnoses and more than 7 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States. Pancreatic cancer is usually detected late and spreads rapidly and many times has a poor prognosis.
Because pancreatic cancer is so common in the United States, and considering that Zantac was named one of the world’s 50 most common medications by the WHO, we anticipate that many Zantac pancreatic cancer lawsuits may be filed in the weeks and months ahead.
If you’ve been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after taking brand-name Zantac, please call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE consultation with a Zantac lawsuit attorney.
You may qualify for a Zantac lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:
- Used brand-name Zantac only
- Suffered from at least one of the following cancers:
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Must have used brand-name Zantac after October 1984
- Must have used brand-name Zantac for a minimum of one year
- Must have used brand-name Zantac once per week for a minimum of six months
- Must have been diagnosed with a qualifying cancer within 20 years of last dose
- Must not have been a smoker in the past 20 years if diagnosed with lung cancer
- Must be 64 years of age or younger at the time of diagnosis if diagnosed with prostate cancer
Certain other criteria may apply. For a FREE, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Zantac lawsuit attorney, 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.
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 review the circumstances and answer any questions you may have. Our compassionate attorneys will listen to you and let you know if we believe you have a case.
You don’t have to go through this alone.
If you decide to hire Riddle & Brantley for your Zantac cancer lawsuit, we will manage the entire process from start to finish. Our goal is to get you the most compensation possible and make the process as easy, stress-free, and convenient as possible for you.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a dangerous drug attorney handling Zantac cancer claims.
You deserve justice and you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
“The contaminant in Zantac has been linked to many types of cancer and potentially negligent drug companies must be held accountable.”
-Gene Riddle, managing partner, Riddle & Brantley
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.
Pancreatic cancer is not the only cancer potentially linked to Zantac. Other cancers include:
- Esophageal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Throat/nasal cancer
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
What should I do if I took Zantac and now have pancreatic cancer?
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 have taken brand-name Zantac and developed pancreatic cancer, you aren’t alone. Many are now taking legal action against drug companies for allegedly ignoring warning signs and failing to disclose the health risks of their medications including ranitidine.
If taking Zantac resulted in your pancreatic cancer (or another type of cancer potentially connected to ranitidine), we believe that’s wrong, and we would love to help you seek the justice you deserve.
The Zantac lawyers at Riddle & Brantley are ready to help.
Our attorneys have over 220+ years of combined legal experience and we are skilled in handling product liability and dangerous drug cases.
“This settlement changed me and my family’s lives.”
-Linda B., Riddle & Brantley client
In more than 35 years of service to injured victims, we’ve built a strong reputation for results, and our attorneys are recognized for their experience. Many of our attorneys belong to prestigious membership organizations recognizing excellence in the practice of law, including Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 (see disclaimers below).
Attorney Gene Riddle, managing partner, has earned the top rating from Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent, and is the recipient of the 2014 Litigator Award (see disclaimer below).
We believe Justice Counts and we fight tirelessly for our deserving clients.
We’d love to help you and your loved ones if we can.
For a FREE consultation concerning a potential Zantac pancreatic cancer lawsuit (or another type of Zantac cancer claim), call 1-800-525-7111.
“I would recommend them to anyone. They fought hard for me.”
-Christine W., Riddle & Brantley client
The case review is free and you won’t pay a dime in attorney fees unless we win financial compensation for you.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s talk.
Justice Counts.
*** 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.