Sean | October 5, 2022

Zantac Cancer Lawsuits: October 2022 Update

It is expected that the first Zantac lawsuits will begin to be adjudicated in October 2022. The parties are filing final motions, and hearings are scheduled for the end of September. The first trials in the Zantac multi-district litigation (MDL) are important because they could indicate the future outcome for other Zantac lawsuits and settlements.

Thousands of Plaintiffs Are Seeking Damages in Zantac Cancer Cases

Thousands of individuals have filed lawsuits seeking damages after taking Zantac or the generic drug ranitidine. 

Individuals taking Zantac or ranitidine allege that they developed cancer, including:

  • Liver cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Esophageal cancer

Zantac could cause other types of cancers. However, these cancers are often linked to NDMA or n-nitrosodimethylamine, a known probable human carcinogen. 

Zantac was a popular heartburn medication that is no longer available in the United States because of the risk of cancer. It was also used to treat GERD, acid reflux, and ulcers. Zantac is in a class of drugs called Histamine-2 (H2) blockers that limit the body from producing stomach acid.

In September 2019, NDMA was discovered in Zantac and other ranitidine medications. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a News Release requesting the removal of all ranitidine products from the market on April 1, 2020. Ranitidine is the main ingredient in Zantac. 

It was discovered that the amount of NDMA could increase over time in some products containing ranitidine, including when products were stored at temperatures higher than normal room temperature. As a result, consumers could be exposed to unacceptable levels of NDMA.

Filing a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit 

Individuals who developed cancer after taking Zantac have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer and other parties seeking compensation for damages. There is also the MDL Census Registry program for Zantac claimants to file claims. However, time is running out to file claims and Zantac lawsuits.

Zantac lawsuits claim that the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings that the active ingredient in Zantac (ranitidine) could be unstable, leading to the formation of NDMA. By taking the medication, consumers could be exposed to higher than accepted levels of NDMA, which could increase their risk of developing cancer. 

Individuals who developed cancer could receive compensation for their damages. 

Damages in Zantac cancer lawsuits could include:

  • Reimbursement for bills and expenses related to diagnosing and treating cancer
  • Compensation for nursing care and personal care
  • Loss of income, including wages, salaries, benefits, and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering caused by cancer symptoms, medical treatment, mental anguish, physical injuries, and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
  • Out-of-pocket expenses, including travel costs for cancer treatment and other medical care

There is a national MDL Zantac litigation pending in Florida. A multidistrict litigation (MDL) action combines individual lawsuits for discovery and pre-trial motions. It allows plaintiffs to pool their resources to investigate claims and gather evidence.

The cases in the MDL are heard individually by separate juries. There are also other Zantac cancer lawsuits pending throughout the country. Therefore, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a St. Petersburg product liability lawyer immediately to avoid losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. 

Zantac Wrongful Death Lawsuits 

Family members might be entitled to compensation if their loved one died because of cancer caused by Zantac. Wrongful death claims are personal injury cases instead of product liability claims. Therefore, the legal elements and the damages could be slightly different. 

Each state has its own wrongful death laws. If your loved one died from cancer after taking Zantac, you can talk to a lawyer to determine if you have a wrongful death lawsuit against the drug manufacturer or other parties. 

What Should You Do if You Took Zantac or a Ranitidine Generic Product?

Contact your doctor if you are concerned. Zantac has been removed from the market for some time. However, individuals who took the drug claim they have now been diagnosed with cancer associated with NDMA exposure. 

Symptoms of NDMA exposure or the development of cancer could include, but are not limited to:

  • Fever and dizziness
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Blood in stools
  • Jaundice 

Recognizing the signs early can ensure you receive medical treatment to have the best chance of surviving. In addition, your doctor can advise you of further steps you should take to protect your health.

If you are diagnosed with cancer and took Zantac, talk with a Zantac cancer attorney in St. Petersburg. An attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you of your legal options. 

One crucial step is to determine your deadline for filing Zantac lawsuits. A lawyer is your best source to determine that information. 

Contact Our Product Liability Law Firm in St. Pete – Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys

An experienced product liability lawyer will have the resources to investigate the claim and gather evidence, including hiring expert witnesses to assist with the case. Your lawyer will handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovering and healing from a traumatic event. 

Contact a St. Petersburg product liability lawyer at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys and schedule a free case review today.

Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys
700 7th Ave N Suite B
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 933-0015