Panel Selects Florida to Hear Zantac MDL Lawsuits
On February 6, 2020, law.com reported that federal Zantac cancer litigation would be consolidated in the Southern District of Florida. The popular heartburn medicine is the subject of nearly 150 lawsuits in jurisdictions across the nation. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation selected US District Judge Robin Rosenberg to oversee the cases in Florida. The Zantac cancer litigation will be the first time Judge Rosenberg handles an MDL.
Why Are People Suing the Makers of Zantac?
Zantac is a drug, with the generic name ranitidine, that millions of consumers have relied upon for decades to treat or relieve heartburn, ulcers, and related ailments. It is available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths. There is concern among many that Zantac contains dangerous levels of the carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The plaintiffs’ court documents state, “every one of the millions of the drug’s consumers have been exposed to dangerous levels of NDMA and many thousands of those consumers have contracted cancer as a result.”
Manufacturers Recall Zantac
Generic ranitidine makers, including Apotex and Sandoz, recalled the drugs. Generic drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories also issued a voluntary recall of ranitidine at the end of October 2019.
Sanofi, the manufacturer of brand name Zantac, recalled some of its products. Several drug store chains across the country decided on their own to stop selling Zantac products.
Zantac Manufacturers Wanted MDL Cases Consolidated in the Northeast
The drug makers hoped the MDL would land in the Northeast. In their response to the petition for consolidation, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim, argued that the cases should be heard in New Jersey.
The defendants wanted to argue the cases before Judge Freda l. Wolfson, who in their words is “an experienced MDL judge currently overseeing all of the Zantac actions already pending in that jurisdiction.” Judge Wolfson is the Chief US District Judge in the District of New Jersey.
Chairwomen of the MDL Panel, Karen Caldwell, wrote, however, “A large number of Zantac actions are pending in the Southern District of Florida, which is supported by the majority of responding plaintiffs. The district is a relatively convenient and accessible forum, with the resources and the capacity to efficiently handle what could be a large litigation.”
Legal Experts Predict More People Will File Zantac Lawsuits
Many expect the number of lawsuits to rise, given the millions of consumers who have used Zantac since the 1980s. Our dangerous drug lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, are reviewing Zantac lawsuits now.
If you or someone you love takes Zantac or ranitidine and developed cancer, call our office right away. We can determine if you have a Zantac claim against the manufacturers of this dangerous drug. Call our experienced dangerous drug lawyers today at 800-403-6191 for a free evaluation of your Zantac claim.