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For those of us who suffer from acid reflux or ‘heartburn,’ we know that relieving that sensation is a top priority. Zantac, also known as ranitidine, is a medication used to decrease stomach acid production and curb heartburn and other digestive issues.
After regular users of Zantac started experiencing similar health complications, it was determined that Zantac (and other ranitidine products) contained an unacceptable level of NDNA, which is alleged to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Mathura Santhirasegram, a Personal Injury Lawyer with Diamond and Diamond Lawyers, discusses everything you need to know about the ongoing mass tort lawsuit against Zantac.
What health complications is Zantac linked to?
The FDA found that the levels of NDNA (a probable carcinogen) in some ranitidine products like Zantac increased to unacceptable levels over time due to exposure to higher temperatures. It was found that regular, long-term use of these products was linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal, esophageal, liver, intestinal, and bladder.
Because ranitidine is linked to several different types of cancer, the symptoms will vary from person to person. If you are experiencing symptoms of a certain type of cancer, or just feeling generally unwell without a reason as to why, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
What should you do if you’re experiencing issues after using Zantac or other ranitidine products?
“Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you have any health concerns, especially if you’ve used Zantac regularly in the past. Early detection is key for a lot of cancers, so it’s important to determine what the issue at hand is,” says Santhirasegram.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and are concerned that it may be linked to past use of Zantac or other ranitidine products, contact a lawyer right away. There aren’t any tests that can directly link the onset of cancer to Zantac use, but there are a number of factors that your lawyer will look at to determine the likelihood that Zantac was an associated cause. Your lawyer will consider the type of cancer you’ve been diagnosed with, how long and how frequently you were using Zantac or ranitidine, and when your cancer diagnosis happened in relation to your use of Zantac.
Why is this a mass tort and not a class action lawsuit against Zantac?
The legal action against Zantac on behalf of individuals who suffered complications from the drug began as a class action lawsuit, but Diamond and Diamond pursued a mass tort claim in order to best help each individual and ensure their voices are heard.
“While class action lawsuits can be an effective way to pursue compensation for large groups of people, sometimes they’re not the best option. In a class action, all of the plaintiffs are grouped together and represented by a single law firm, which can make it difficult for each individual to have their unique story heard and their specific needs addressed,” says Santhirasegram. On the other hand, with a mass tort, each individual has their own case and their own lawyer who is working to represent their interests and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
If you have experienced any health complications after taking Zantac (ie. ranitidine), don’t hesitate to reach out to Diamond and Diamond. Call 1-800-567-HURT to schedule a free consultation.
About Jeremy Diamond
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about Jeremy Diamond.
