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(belchonock/DespositPhotos.com)A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that the popular heartburn medication Zantac may produce much more carcinogens than previously known.
The study looked at ranitidine, the molecule that makes Zantac and similar drugs effective. Researchers concluded that, when the ranitidine molecule is put in the human body, it releases n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) – a potential human carcinogen.
Hundreds of lawsuits were filed by those who took Zantac and other ranitidine heartburn medications after it was revealed that they were contaminated with NDMA. Products were pulled from the shelves and ranitidine-based drugs are no longer sold in the U.S., but those who already took the drug may be concerned about the long term side effects.
Although a Florida federal judge recently released pharmacies and other retailers from a multidistrict litigation over Zantac cancer, claims remain against other companies. If you were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac you could join a lawsuit investigation.
The new Zantac study may add to these fears as scientists discovered that, in addition to NDMA contamination, the drug itself may produce the substance after it is ingested. Researchers concluded that ranitidine itself is inherently unstable, producing more than 6,000 times the amount of NDMA than what’s considered safe under current guidelines. And that’s just in one Zantac tablet.
The chief scientific officer of the company that conducted the study, Kaury Kucera, Ph.D., said that researchers “detected NDMA in every brand and every dosage form of ranitidine that we tested whether over the counter or prescription and regardless of manufacturer,” FiercePharma reported.
“This appears to be a fundamentally different problem than NDMA contamination found in drugs like valsartan and metformin because it occurs in every brand of ranitidine and is inherent to the molecule itself.”
The Zantac study researchers reportedly placed one 150-mg tablet of the cool mint version of the medication in a substance that mimicked stomach acid to see what it would produce. The Zantac produced much more NDMA than considered safe for human consumption, concluded the researchers after using several different concentrations of materials to assess the formation of the carcinogen under different conditions.
Zantac basics
Zantac (also known by its generic name, ranitidine hydrochloride) is a histamine-2 blocker, a medication used to prevent heartburn by reducing stomach acid. It is also used for certain related conditions. Zantac’s manufacturer and distributor is Sanofi, and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1983.
Now, more than thirty years later, the drug has been hit with a massive recall. The FDA has requested that all ranitidine products be removed from the market due to the NDMA contaminant.
Filing a Zantac cancer lawsuit
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to Zantac, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. 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 to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, 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.
Did you or a loved one take Zantac or similar heartburn medication? Are you concerned about the new Zantac study findings? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
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55 thoughts onNew Zantac study says medication may be more carcinogenic than thought
Please add me, Ranitidine many years
My Hubby had taken for over 30yrs., has a cough now, but so far not diagnosed w/cancer, scared to take him in, but will be making appt soon., too scary. Scary to take any medicine these days. So many recalls, and side effects.
Add me
so guess you have to get cancer before you can have a law suit even tho ive was on it daily for more the 5 years just waiting fir the cancer bomb to go off before i can file
My husband’s uncle took zantac for many years and died of cancer should I file a claim?
I took Zantac for years and now my gallbladder only functions at 10% – but I have no idea if was caused from taking Zantac or not.
I took Zantac for years! I do not have cancer but terrible stomach issues. Add me
I took more Zantac that any other stomach medicine. I lost a kidney to cancer 3 years ago. I continue to have new health issues.
Add me. My dad was taking this for years and now has fast growing cancer.
add me…. I was taking this for years due to weight loss surgery ,no cancer but a lot of stomach issues now