Do Antacids Cause Cancer?

October 29, 2021 | By Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
Do Antacids Cause Cancer?

The Truth About Antacids and Your Health

In April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for the removal of the popular antacid Zantac and other related over-the-counter and prescription drugs from the market. Studies show that Zantac, the brand name of the drug ranitidine, may contain NDMA, a dangerous chemical believed to cause 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.

At Riddle & Brantley, we provide dedicated representation for individuals who have taken brand-name Zantac and subsequently been diagnosed with cancer. Contact our office immediately to discuss your legal options with an experienced Zantac lawyer. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Do All Antacids Cause Cancer?

Do Antacids Cause Cancer

Not all antacids have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. The FDA noted in its press release that the contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) might be found in ranitidine medications. 

An impurity in these products (Zantac and generic brands containing ranitidine) may cause the carcinogenic substance NDMA to form. The instability of the drug is most notable when it is stored at high temperatures.

Are There Any “Safe” Antacids?

Not all antacids contain ranitidine. There are a number of other options that are currently on the market to treat heartburn, stomach ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Some common alternatives to Zantac include:

  • Nexium
  • Prevacid
  • Prilosec
  • Pepcid
  • Tagamet
  • Tums
  • Maalox

It is important to note that all drugs may cause side effects. You should always consult your physician before taking a new prescription or over-the-counter medication. 

"What Should I Do If I've Been 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.

Zantac and other generic brands containing ranitidine are no longer available on the market. Most major pharmacies voluntarily pulled the drugs from their shelves in 2019 after the FDA issued a warning regarding the impurities in ranitidine drugs. 

The manufacturer of Zantac 150, 150 Cool Mint, and Zantac 75 issued a recall of the over-the-counter drugs in 2019. Several manufacturers of generic ranitidine also issued recalls and have stopped selling their products as multiple independent studies confirmed the presence of potentially cancer-causing NDMA. Drugs containing ranitidine have already been banned in several countries across the globe.

If you were taking Zantac, speak to your doctor about a safe alternative. If you were taking brand-name Zantac and have been diagnosed with cancer, contact our office immediately to discuss your case with a Zantac lawsuit lawyer.

Zantac Antacid May Lead to Cancer

NDMA is classified as a probable carcinogen. The American Cancer Society notes that a substance is labeled as a probable carcinogen when there is compelling evidence that the substance can lead to cancer.

NDMA may cause a number of cancers, including but not limited to:

  • Stomach cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Esophageal cancer

If you were diagnosed with cancer after taking brand-name Zantac for a prolonged period of time, contact our office immediately. You may be entitled to compensation.

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.

Get a Free, No-Obligation Consultation

Contact Riddle & Brantley today for a free consultation. Call 1-800-525-7111 to review your case with an experienced attorney. There are never any attorney fees unless we win your case. Get the justice you deserve from a legal team with over 220+ years of combined experience. We proudly represent individuals in Zantac lawsuits nationwide.