Is the Ranitidine Drug Linked to Cancer?

Many people have taken ranitidine, often sold under the brand name Zantac, to relieve heartburn since 1983. The popular drug was approved for use in the United States that year and, by 1988, it became the world’s best-selling drug. Unfortunately, after decades of routine use, the drug was recalled because it was discovered it contained a probable human carcinogen called NDMA. Attorneys handling a ranitidine lawsuit list various types of cancers with a potential link to NDMA.

What is NDMA?

NDMA, an abbreviation for the organic compound N-nitrosodimethylamine, is a chemical found in natural and industrial processes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies NDMA as a probable carcinogen, which essentially categorizes it as a cancer-causing chemical. Low levels of NDMA are considered safe, as it is naturally found in some foods and water, but higher levels of exposure are considered to be unsafe.

Why the Ranitidine Recall?

On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced preliminary tests found low levels of NDMA in ranitidine. In April 2020, the federal agency requested all manufacturers to withdraw specific products off the market immediately. Further investigation found the impurity found in ranitidine products increases over time and how these medications are stored can expose consumers to unacceptable levels of NDMA.

Human testing, at this time, is limited, but in testing conducted on animals, NDMA was shown to boost cancer risks. It is widely believed NDMA is also a carcinogen for humans. Since millions of people routinely take both prescription and over-the-counter versions of ranitidine, it is a big concern and more information needs to be known before these drugs can be declared safe again.

At this time, human testing is limited, but through testing conducted on animals, researchers found NDMA was shown to increase cancer risks. Experts widely believe NDMA is also a carcinogen for humans. Since millions of people routinely take both prescription and over-the-counter versions of ranitidine, discovering NDMA is present in Zantac and other ranitidine drugs is a big concern. More information needs to be known before these drugs can be declared safe again.

What Kind of Cancers Can Ranitidine Users Be Exposed To?

Unfortunately, people who have had long-term exposure to ranitidine can develop serious types of cancers. These include cancers found in the stomach, liver, intestines, colon, esophagus, bladder, kidneys, pancreas, and prostrate. It may also manifest in the form of leukemia or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Anyone who regularly has taken a ranitidine drug should vigilant to any warning symptoms that may indicate the presence of cancer so immediate diagnosis and treatment can be sought with their healthcare provider.

As a protective measure for themselves, many people have filed a ranitidine lawsuit. Right now, the situation is very much in flux as medical experts and scientists work to determine why ranitidine drugs, such as Zantac, have become unstable. It might be the components in the drug itself or could be a quality control issue. Whatever the root cause, if the drug is unconditionally proven to be unstable, many Americans face a high risk of being afflicted with cancer.