The lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, are reviewing Zantac lawsuits. If you developed cancer after taking this dangerous drug, you might be eligible to collect compensation for your injuries.
Zantac is the brand name of the generic drug ranitidine, a popular medication used to treat and prevent a variety of ailments including heartburn and ulcers. It is widely available in prescription strength and over the counter form. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a report in September, announcing that it discovered the presence of a substance in ranitidine that is a known carcinogen. Tests revealed that specific batches of ranitidine contained N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
An Ingredient in Zantac Causes Cancer
There is scientific evidence that NDMA causes cancer in animals. It is classified as a probable carcinogen to humans. NDMA is an environmental contaminant found in our food and water supply. The amount of NDMA found in Zantac was above levels considered appropriate for human consumption. There are links between NDMA and bladder cancer.
In response to this discovery of NDMA, Novartis and Apotex recalled their generic ranitidine products sold in the United States. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens are removing Zantac and generic ranitidine from their shelves. Health Canada has requested that all companies stop distributing ranitidine there. The French government is taking steps to recall all ranitidine products in its country.
If you have been taking Zantac or its generic version and were diagnosed with cancer, you might be eligible to collect damages from the drug manufacturers. There may be a link between Zantac and cancer. Our experienced lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, can determine if you qualify to file a claim for compensation from the makers of Zantac.
NDMA in Zantac Can Cause Bladder Cancer – What Are the Symptoms of Bladder Cancer?
If you have bladder cancer, hopefully, it has been diagnosed at its earliest stages when it is most easily treated. The most common symptoms of bladder cancer often include:
- Blood in urine also called hematuria.
- Pain while urinating
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Back Pain
- Frequent urination
These symptoms may be indicators of bladder cancer or another illness.
What Causes Bladder Cancer?
Like all cancers, you develop bladder cancer when cells grow abnormally because of a mutation. Mutations that result in bladder cancer can be caused by:
- Smoking
- Using other tobacco products
- Exposure to chemicals
- Radiation exposure
- Parasites
- Chronic irritation to the bladder and its lining
Bladder cancer, like other types, can be caused by a variety of factors. You can develop bladder cancer without possessing any of the apparent risk factors.
What Factors Put You at Risk of Developing Bladder Cancer?
- Smoking – taking in dangerous chemicals found in tobacco products can cause them to accumulate in your urine and damage your bladder
- Age – Bladder cancer rarely develops in someone under 40
- Being Caucasian – Caucasians are much more likely to develop bladder cancer than individuals of other races.
- Being a man – men are far more likely to develop bladder cancer than women.
- Being exposed to chemicals – Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering harmful chemicals from your bloodstream and moving them into your bladder. Because of this, it’s thought that being around certain chemicals may increase the risk of bladder cancer.
- Chronic bladder inflammation
- A personal or family history of cancer
How Do Doctors Diagnose Bladder Cancer?
If your doctor suspects you have cancer of the bladder, you will undergo a series of tests to determine if this is true. If it is, additional tests will be used to determine the exact type and stage of your cancer and how to treat it.
Tests may include:
- Cystoscopy
- Biopsy
- Urine analysis
- Imaging tests such as CT scans, x-rays, MRI, and bone scans
How is Bladder Cancer Treated?
Depending on the stage and grade of your bladder cancer, your doctors will determine the best way to treat it to give you the best chance of survival. You might have all or some of the following treatments:
- Surgical removal of the cancerous tumor or tissue
- Surgical removal of part or all of your bladder
- Bladder reconstruction
- Urinary diversion surgeries
- Targeted chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Systemic chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
If you have developed bladder cancer from taking Zantac, smoking, or chemical exposure, you are probably going to undergo a combination of treatments for cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and even immunotherapy can be successful ways to cure you of your disease. But, they all have severe side effects that can test the will of even the strongest patient.
Is Your Bladder Cancer Related to Zantac Consumption?
Cancer of all kinds takes its toll on the patient and his or her family and friends. Imagine finding out that your cancer was caused by something you thought was good for you? What if the people who told you it was good for you knew it was dangerous? Wouldn’t you want to hold someone responsible?
In the case of Zantac and generic Zantac, this might be what is happening. People with cancer and their lawyers are asking these critical questions:
- Did the makers of Zantac know it contains a dangerous carcinogen?
- Did the makers of Zantac hide the fact that the drug contains a carcinogen?
- Should they have known that Zantac had a dangerous cancer-causing chemical?
- Did ingestion of Zantac cause your bladder cancer or that of someone else?
- Why didn’t the makers of Zantac warn consumers that it was a dangerous drug?
Lawsuits Are Being Filed Against the Manufacturers of Zantac
Lawsuits are being filed against the makers of Zantac, alleging that the companies knew or should have known about the dangerous chemical NDMA in their products. The claims allege that they failed to disclose the risks even though they knew about them. People who took Zantac and developed bladder cancer may be entitled to collect compensation for things such as medical expenses associated with cancer treatments as well as recover the money they have spent on the dangerous drug.
Contact Alonso Krangle, LLP. Our Lawyers are Providing Free Evaluations of Zantac Claims.
Call our lawyers today to find out if you are eligible to file a claim against the makers of Zantac and generic Zantac. We can help you navigate the claim process and assist you in recovering the damages you deserve.
Call Alonso Krangle, LLP today at 800-403-6191.