blog home Product Liability FDA Recalls Zantac Due to Possible Cancer-Causing Carcinogen

FDA Recalls Zantac Due to Possible Cancer-Causing Carcinogen

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 4, 2020

On Wednesday, April 1^st, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an urgent recall to drug manufacturers regarding a complete removal of all over-the-counter and prescription drugs containing ranitidine. Most commonly referred to by its brand name Zantac, this widely popular medication is commonly used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers.

According to these latest reports, this recall is the conclusion to a nearly year-long examination by the FDA into ranitidine, more specifically nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which has the potential to cause cancer when ingested at high levels. To be clear, most humans are exposed to “acceptable” low levels of NDMA on a regular basis throughout our daily diets via food and water.

Since the summer of last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been conducting its own thorough investigation into the levels of NDMA in ranitidine based on research from an independent third-party lab that discovered the presence of the carcinogen within the drug itself. Test results proved positive for NDMA in ranitidine, although the FDA was unable to issue an official recall at the time due to insufficient scientific evidence, and the fact that they could not determine whether or not the levels of NDMA increased under normal storage conditions or at higher temperatures.

Finally armed with new and improved testing techniques, the FDA was at last able to prove an alarming increase of NDMA levels in ranitidine even when the defective drug was being stored at normal room temperatures. It was additionally proved that the longer ranitidine was stored and the length of time elapsed from the manufacturer’s date also caused a significant rise in NDMA levels, pushing them into the “unsafe for consumption” zone.

Consumers are advised by the FDA to immediately stop taking all forms of Zantac OTC medications and promptly throw them away. It is advised that you check with your local retailer before attempting to return any merchandise, as many store policies have changed in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak. Contact your primary physician as soon as possible if you have a prescription containing ranitidine.

Orlando product liability lawyer James O. Cunningham has been compassionately representing the families & friends of victims who have been adversely affected by defective products. If you believe you have been injured by Zantac, please contact our firm today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free initial consultation.

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James O. Cunningham

James O. Cunningham Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.