The FDA discovered the presence of a dangerous carcinogen in Zantac and generic Zantac. Our lawyers are reviewing lawsuits against the makers of Zantac. If you took Zantac and developed pancreatic cancer, call our lawyers today.
What is Zantac, and Why is it Being Recalled?
Zantac is a popular medication that is available in prescription strength and as an over the counter drug. The generic name for Zantac is ranitidine. The drugs are used to treat the symptoms of heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion, as well as to treat and prevent more serious conditions like ulcers.
Recently the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that specific batches of Zantac contain N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a substance that, when taken in large amounts, likely causes cancer. In response to this discovery, some manufacturers, such as Sanofi, have issued a recall of Zantac and ranitidine products. Many national drug store chains have stopped selling Zantac and similar items to their customers for fear of causing harm to an unsuspecting victim.
NDMA is an environmental toxin and used to be a key ingredient in rocket fuel. The cancers connected to NDMA are those associated with the gastrointestinal tract, colon, and vital organs. Some studies show even small amounts of NDMA can cause severe liver damage in humans. One of the most severe types of cancer associated with NDMA is cancer of the pancreas.
If you or someone you love developed cancer of the pancreas after taking Zantac, you might be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. At Alonso Krangle, LLP, our lawyers work tirelessly to fight for the rights of consumers and to hold dangerous drug makers liable for lapses in safety.
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer starts in the tissue of your pancreas. The pancreas is an organ about six inches long found in your abdomen. It lies a bit like a pear on its side, behind your lower stomach. The pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes and hormones that help with digestion and manage the level of sugar in your blood.
Pancreatic cancer occurs, like most cancers, when cells develop mutations in their DNA. The mutations cause cells to grow and to continue living after normal cells would die, forming a tumor. Untreated pancreatic cancer spreads quickly to nearby organs and blood vessels.
What Are the Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is stealthy. Its symptoms often mimic “ordinary” problems that can be explained away, perhaps because of its location behind the stomach, near the back. Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often not diagnosed until it becomes advanced. Some symptoms of pancreatic cancer are:
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to your back
- New onset of diabetes
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Blood clots
- Depression
How Do Doctors Treat Pancreatic Cancer?
Like all cancer treatments, the choices you and your doctor will make will depend on a variety of things, such as your general health, the stage, and location of your cancer, and the goals you have. Can you eliminate your cancer? If not, can you alleviate the symptoms and improve your quality of life? These are decisions you will make with your family and doctor.
Treatment of pancreatic cancer usually involves a combination of some of the following:
- Whipple Procedure: this is a very technical and challenging surgery that involves removing part of the pancreas, the gallbladder, the duodenum, and part of the bile duct. Then what remains of your stomach and intestines are reconnected with the remaining portion of the pancreas.
- Surgery to remove a portion of the tail or body of the pancreas
- Surgery to remove the entire pancreas
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Clinical trials
Complications from Pancreatic Cancer
Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is often complicated to treat because of how quickly it spreads and its close proximity to many vital systems. It is almost never diagnosed in its early stages, before it has spread to other areas of the body. The five-year survival rate for all stages of pancreatic cancer is only 7%. The one-year rate is 20%. Complications that arise with pancreatic cancer make it an exceptionally debilitating disease that can cause tremendous suffering for patients.
Complications from pancreatic cancer often include:
- Bowel obstructions
- Pain
- Jaundice
- Weight loss
All of the above can significantly affect your ability to eat, digest, absorb, and eliminate nutrients and waste from your body. These complications may require additional surgeries, procedures, and medications to help mitigate the effects and/or make you more comfortable.
What Causes Pancreatic Cancer?
There is no known single cause of pancreatic cancer. Like many cancers, some factors do not help. Obesity, a poor diet, and smoking, all can increase the likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. Exposure to anything that might cause cells to mutate can also contribute to cancer. NDMA is believed to cause this cancer as well.
People with Cancer are Filing Lawsuits Against the Makers of Zantac
If you developed pancreatic cancer after taking Zantac, is filing a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer something you should consider? Yes. It is possible that taking Zantac or ranitidine over time might have contributed to your diagnosis. People across the nation are trying to hold the makers of Zantac responsible for their cancers.
These lawsuits allege the makers of Zantac knew about the dangers of the drug and ignored them. The plaintiffs in these cases are seeking to obtain monetary damages to pay for the cost of their medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Contact Our Zantac Lawyers
If you or someone you love developed and/or died from pancreatic cancer after taking Zantac, contact our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP. We will gladly review your Zantac claim for free and determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit to collect damages.
You can reach our Zantac lawyers at 800-403-6191.
Don’t wait to find out if you have a Zantac lawsuit. Call Alonso Krangle, LLP, today.