Am I Eligible to File a Zantac Claim?

On first consideration, the thought of making a personal injury claim against Zantac or one of the many companies manufacturing generic ranitidine might seem overwhelming. While there are some bureaucratic hurdles to deal with, the job can be done, especially with some legal help from an expert. However, by organizing the available information, the task comes within reach.

Zantac and generic ranitidine provide heartburn relief, and thousands of people have taken the over-the-counter medication. However, studies draw attention to a possible connection between the pill and various forms of cancer. If you meet a certain set of criteria, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering.

Eligibility Criteria for Joining the Zantac Lawsuit

While Zantac was mostly prescribed for heartburn, it has also been recommended for ulcers and more serious stomach and intestinal upsets. The combination of medicines over the years could well have exposed you to excessive amounts of the contaminant NDMA.

This suspected carcinogen may well be the cause of your cancer including a vast array of different types of health problems. See more info about Zantac and talk to your physician to determine if you were exposed to any risk.

If you or a loved one have developed stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, small intestine cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or other cancer-related conditions, you might be eligible to join a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers. The steps for qualifying to file a lawsuit include:

Taking Zantac or Ranitidine

This is an easy step if you have pharmaceutical records for a prescription for the drug. Proving that you took the OTC drug might be more difficult, but you can probably find credit card records or get corroborating statements from friends or family members.

Using Zantac Regularly

Get an estimate of how much ranitidine you used over time. Include the dosage amount and frequency that you took the drug. Again, it helps if you have any kind of medical records that corroborate your statement.

Having a Legitimate Reason for Taking the Drug

Complaining to your doctor about frequent heartburn might suffice as a valid reason for taking Zantac, but it is better if you were prescribed the drug for a specific complaint like ulcers.

Confirming the Latency Period

This is not as difficult as it sounds. Ranitidine has a latency period that ranges from 2 to 70 years. Therefore, as long as it was at least two years from when you took the drug before developing cancer, you will probably meet this qualification criterion.

Contacting an Attorney

Once you have confirmed the facts, you are ready to talk to an attorney. Keep in mind that there are statutes of limitations to filing a lawsuit. It is crucial to meet this deadline or your case may be automatically dismissed. You should contact an attorney who has experience with Zantac-related lawsuits.

Critical Information About Ranitidine and Cancer

You might have been taking ranitidine for many years in prescription or OTC preparations. It is also possible that you kept the drug on hand for possible cases of heartburn. The main cause of concern is that NDMA increases as the medicine ages and especially when stored under hot conditions. Bring up these facts in your lawsuit, if relevant.

The FDA warns people not to take more than 96 nanograms of NDMA per day. Recent tests confirmed that some aging Zantac formulas contain more than 3,000,000 nanograms per tablet.

Ranitidine is a notoriously unstable molecule, and it might produce NDMA in the stomach after taking Zantac. Although NDMA is present in produce, grilled meats, dairy products, and water, the concentration is negligible and perfectly safe. The concentrations in some Zantac formulas are altogether different.

Association Between Cancers and Ranitidine

According to a scientific study, there is a strong association between taking Zantac or ranitidine and intestinal and stomach cancers. The study evaluated the association between ranitidine exposure and gastrointestinal cancer using a comparison group that minimizes confounding by indication.

Observational studies have concluded a strong correlation between ranitidine exposure in the diet and cancers in the gastrointestinal system. Additionally, research has proven that the substance has a strong carcinogenic effect in experiments with animals, which strongly suggests ranitidine is a probable human carcinogen as well.

Final Thoughts

Observational studies have demonstrated a relationship between dietary and occupational exposure to NDMA and specific cancers, principally to the gastrointestinal system. If you have been taking Zantac, it might be time to have an informative talk with your physician to discuss whether you are exposed to any health risks. If you wish to pursue compensation, contact a specialized lawyer to help you secure the highest possible amount.