A Nebraska woman recently filed a Zantac lawsuit against several major pharmaceutical companies, alleging her late husband’s death from pancreatic cancer was caused by long-term exposure to Zantac.

The plaintiff, Melissa K., filed the lawsuit as the widow and personal representative of her late husband’s estate. According to the lawsuit, Jamie K., her late husband, was just 43 years old when he died on Jan. 21, 2019, and was a longtime user of Zantac (also known by its generic name, ranitidine). The same year as Jamie’s death, pharmaceutical companies began recalling ranitidine drugs due to a risk of cancer in humans, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a total recall on Apr. 1, 2020 because of this risk. Indeed, ranitidine has now been classified as a probable human carcinogen by a number of major health organizations, including the World Health Organization.

According to the Zantac lawsuit, Jamie used Zantac by prescription to deal with his chronic indigestion, but often purchased the over-the-counter version instead. Unfortunately, Jamie contracted pancreatic cancer, eventually leading to his death in early 2019.

Melissa brought this lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, Inc., Chattem Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, and Walgreens on Aug. 21, 2020, in the U.S. District Court for the Douglas County District of Nebraska. She filed the lawsuit on behalf of her late husband’s estate for his pain and suffering, as well as a wrongful death claim for the benefit of Jamie’s next of kin.

Zantac Basics

Zantac (also known by its generic name, ranitidine) has long been a widely used acid reduction medication. Ranitidine is commonly used to treat ulcers, as well as prevent them from recurring, though it is also used to treat other conditions associated with excess stomach acid.

Like any other medication, ranitidine use may cause mild complications, such as headaches, constipation, and diarrhea. These complications are included in the drug’s warnings. However, the use of ranitidine has also been linked with serious and even fatal health complications, including cancer. These potential complications are linked with a dangerous contaminant known as NDMA.

N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, is an industrial waste product and is considered a probable human carcinogen. On Sept. 13, 2019, the FDA issued a statement noting that research had found “low levels” of NDMA in some ranitidine medicines. The agency said that people should be aware of this potential risk, talk to their doctor if they have any concerns, and consider using another approved medication if they use an over-the-counter version of the drug.

Unfortunately, this warning, and the subsequent recalls from ranitidine manufacturers, came months after Jamie’s death from pancreatic cancer.

Filing a Zantac Cancer Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from pancreatic cancer or another cancer after exposure to ranitidine, especially long-term exposure, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a cancer diagnosis, nor can it bring a loved one back to life, but it can at least help alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially after a cancer diagnosis, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

The Zantac Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 8:20-cv-00337-JMG-MDN, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Douglas County, Nebraska.