Zantac and Cancer Risk
FDA Inquiry and Request
The FDA has requested that all Zantac and other prescription-strength drugs containing ranitidine be removed from shelves as of April 2, 2020. The FDA launched an investigation into the popular heartburn relief drug in September 2019 after it found high levels of a human carcinogen known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
What is Zantac?
Zantac is the commercial name for the drug ranitidine. Ranitidine is an H2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid created by the stomach. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug approved to prevent and relieve heartburn and a sour stomach. There is also prescription-strength Ranitidine available to treat ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and GERD.
What is NDMA?
N-Nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA for short is a yellow oily liquid with a faint odor. It decomposes when exposed to light and gives off toxic nitrogen fumes.
It is primarily used in laboratory research to induce tumors in experimental lab animals. It was formerly used to make rocket fuel but this was stopped after high levels of the chemical were found in air, water, and soil samples near the fuel manufacturing plant.
Cancer Risk
Zantac or the generic form of the drug ranitidine contains the chemical NDMA. NDMA can enter the body by inhalation, absorption of the skin, and ingestion. Since Zantac and another generic version of it are ingested, it can be linked to the following cancers:
- Stomach Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Lawsuits
Boesen Law, LLC is investigating claims relating to those who have used Zantac or any other product containing ranitidine and have been diagnosed with cancer.
