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How Zantac Can Cause Cancer

Zantac is a popular medication brand composed of ranitidine, and cannot be acquired without a prescription. It is known to reduce the effects of several conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and peptic ulcer disease. Even though it is commonly used across the world to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers, only a few people are aware of its side effects. Until 1980, the real effects of Zantac were unknown due to a lack of scientific examination. As a result, it remained one of the most popular prescription drugs used in the United States. It was only when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned people of this drug’s safety that they started to become aware of its possible dangers.

Zantac was found to have carcinogenic properties that can cause several types of cancers. As soon as a cancer-causing contaminant was found in Zantac products, the FDA advised people to stop using them and throw away every Zantac product they owned. They also asked companies to stop manufacturing and selling this formula. If the product is stored for long, the consumer can suffer from the carcinogenic effects of this drug.

Since these speculations have come to light, people across the world have stopped consuming Zantac products. If you haven’t yet, it is high time you do. Here is everything you need to know about Zantac and its cancer-inducing properties.

N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA

N-nitrosodimethylamine is the main component found in ranitidine, which is also a form of nitrosamine, and responsible for carcinogenic properties. It is also found in cured meats, which is why people are advised to switch to purer forms of meat. It is also found in some vegetables and dairy products. Since some level of ranitidine consumption is acceptable, several tests were conducted to find the level of this compound in concerned medications.

Several lab tests were conducted to determine the nature of NDMA in Zantac and related products and the carcinogenic properties it floated. It was found that ranitidine products if left for a prolonged period, can develop impurities, which can result in the development of cancer-inducing properties. This phenomenon was particularly found at higher temperatures where the impurities develop at an unacceptable level that can harm the human body.

NDMA was found to be a B2 carcinogen type, which is also classified as an extremely harmful human carcinogen. The World Health Organization claimed that consistent exposure to high levels of NDMA can lead to colorectal or gastric cancer, along with other plausible concerns. It was also found to cause liver damage and raise the levels of liver toxins.

A lot of industrial sites and processes such as pesticide manufacturing plants, tanneries, and tire factories produce NDMA as a byproduct. This component is also often produced when chlorinating drinking water. Upon testing the water treatment process, you can find traces of NDMA in the treatment plants. The Environmental Protection Agency states that the chemical is now used in the research labs of the United States for study purposes. It was once used as the main component of rocket fuel, which shows the concern.

Furthermore, the speculations of the ill effects of NDMA and concerned products also intrigued the FDA to test out angiotensin II receptor blockers, which are heart failure and blood pressure medications. Drugs such as losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan, which are commonly used to treat issues related to blood pressure, were found to contain traces of NDMA.

Even though the formation of NDMA in the drug was initially speculated from a study conducted in the 1980s, modern studies concluded that the consumption of H2 blocker, famotidine produced a higher risk level than the consumption of ranitidine. This was concluded after examining the medical records of over 65 million people who consumed ranitidine products on a regular basis. Modern studies are still trying to find a solid link and conclude with concrete evidence.

Zantac and Ranitidine Manufacturers

Zantac’s brand-name version manufacturer Sanofi immediately took FDA’s plea into consideration and warned their sellers and consumers to stop selling and taking the medication respectively. An online pharmacy named Valisure also took the concerns seriously after filing a citizen’s petition that urged the FDA to look into the matter. Upon getting a warning related to the concerns of the component, they removed products that contained a higher level of NDMA after conducting several lab tests. The FDA recommends a safe and acceptable daily limit of this compound, which is 96 ng, and these products were found to contain a higher level of NDMA, which is extremely unsafe. This study and statement were concluded from studies conducted at Stanford University and relevant academic and research groups.

Since then, the FDA is continuously warning manufacturers and consumers about the cancer-inducing properties of Zantac. The officials have also requested drug manufacturers to remove the products through long letters stating their effects. While most of the pharmacies have adhered to the warning, the organization is still looking into the effects of NDMA and related products. Until then, it is safe to keep the drug away from your counter. Furthermore, a study conducted at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center stated that the consumption of a higher level of NDMA and ranitidine did develop the risk of various types of cancer. However, the evidence we have to date is extremely limited.

Another study conducted by The European Medicines Agency on subjects regularly consuming 24.1 micrograms of NDMA, 3.7 micrograms of NDEA, and 320 mg of valsartan for a period of four years or more showed that they were also exposed to the risk of developing cancer. Out of every 100,000 people, at least 12 to 30 cases were speculated to develop cancer, which is still a higher number.

If you have been consuming Zantac products for a while, you should consult your doctor about the ill effects. Get yourself thoroughly checked for diagnosis of any form of cancer. If you are safe, ask your doctor to suggest a safer alternative for your ongoing treatment.

Types of Cancers Caused by Zantac

Cancer

The carcinogenic properties of Zantac and NDMA can develop various forms of cancer, some of which are –

Throat and Nasal Cancer

When your throat’s flat cells experience swelling or other harmful effects, you may begin developing throat or nasal cancer. This is accompanied by other symptoms such as sore throats, excessive coughing, and changes in your voice. If you suffer from GERD and notice these signs, you must seek medical attention.

Pancreatic Cancer

Individuals suffering from pancreatic cancer may not survive for long as it is often detected in the later stages. If you notice certain medical conditions such as abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, and itchy skin, you may be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Stomach Cancer

Popularly known as gastric cancer, this form of cancer can take up to a few years to form, spread, and get diagnosed. People diagnosed with stomach cancer have a 70% chance to live in their five-stage survival stage.

Prostate Cancer

Just like stomach cancer, this form of cancer can also take a few years to develop as the tumor grows slowly. Even if the patient is declared cancer-free, they may experience some side effects (sometimes irreversible), such as painful urination and erectile dysfunction.

Bladder Cancer

Individuals suffering from bladder cancer have a higher chance of survival as this form of cancer is often detected at an early stage. This also increases the success rates of treating the condition. If you notice certain medical conditions such as painful urination after constant consumption of Zantac medicines, get yourself tested for bladder cancer.

Esophageal Cancer

Men are generally more prone to developing esophageal cancer. Some effects and health issues related to this cancer include heartburn, swallowing, and chest pain. Surprisingly, patients consume even more Zantac products to cure, or at least diminish these effects.

Colorectal Cancer

If your rectum or colon starts forming cysts or a polyp, you may be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. If the detected polyps are larger in size, it can cause irreversible damage.

Intestinal Cancer

Even though cancer development in the small and large intestines is rare, it should not be taken lightly. If the cancer has already spread to the rest of your body, the survival rate is massively low. On the other hand, an early diagnosis can save the patient’s life.

Liver Cancer

If you notice certain medical conditions such as abdomen swelling or weakness and constant throbbing abdominal pain, get yourself tested for liver cancer.

Breast Cancer

breast cancer

Around 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Surprisingly, even some men are affected by this disease. Since ductal carcinoma is believed to develop due to Zantac products, individuals consuming Zantac products should be careful. Upon developing breast cancer, a man in Florida filed a Zantac lawsuit in 2013 due to the constant consumption of Zantac products for four years.

Some other forms of cancers and related health issues induced due to the consumption of Zantac and ranitidine include Multiple Myeloma, kidney cancer, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, brain cancer, Islet cell tumors, thyroid cancer, and leukemia. If you notice signs such as bloody or tarry stool, poor appetite, anemia symptoms such as weakness and dizziness, bowel habit changes, unintentional weight loss, nausea or vomiting, bloody or dark urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, back pain, and urinary urgency, you must instantly seek medical attention.

Even though there is little evidence surrounding the effects of NDMA on various types of cancer, we cannot rule out the possibility of developing one or more of these. Note that there is still no solid evidence proving the effect of Zantac on various types of cancer. However, these concerns should not be ignored.

Zantac Lawsuit Cases

If you are diagnosed with cancer due to the prolonged or overconsumption of Zantac and ranitidine medication, you can file a Zantac lawsuit. Upon gaining detailed info on Zantac lawsuits, you will learn that developing cancer as a result of the regular use of this medicine makes you eligible to receive financial compensation. This is because the consumers of this drug are not given a fair warning by the manufacturers beforehand. In some cases, the consumer can be eligible to receive up to a billion dollars in settlement. Since such cases are rare, you may face a conundrum when filing the paperwork and submitting it to the concerned authorities. To make the process easier, hire an experienced lawyer who specializes in Zantac lawsuits and can guide you through the process. Until November 2020, around 500 lawsuits are filed in Florida against the anti-acid drug makers, Zantac.

Lawyers representing the victims who developed cancer through the consumption of this medicine stated that most of their clients did not have a family history of cancer development or similar genetic markers. Defenders and physicians asked the plaintiffs to consider external factors and harmful environmental effects that could have triggered the cancer.

Upon Being Diagnosed

If you have been diagnosed with cancer and the speculated cause is the consumption of Zantac products on a regular basis, you must seek medical help at the earliest. Provide details about your medical history and the amount of ranitidine and NDMA dosage. This will give your medical practitioner a clear idea about the exact reasons. This will also help them make the proper diagnosis, and prescribe the right medication and treatment options to improve your condition.

Your doctor will then prescribe you the treatment options; make sure that they are stored and adhered to with care. Lastly, as mentioned, you can file for a Zantac lawsuit with the help of an experienced lawyer. You can find several competent lawyers in your locality who can help you file a lawsuit and get your compensation.

Alternatives

Some popular alternatives to the Zantac drug include Nexium, Pepcid, Tagamet, Prilosec, and Prevacid. More and more studies are being conducted to test the ill effects of NDMA and Zantac.

Now that you have learned the cancer-causing side effects of Zantac, it is high time you stopped using this drug. If you have one or more Zantac products in your medicine cabinet, it is time to throw them away. Since a lot of manufacturers have already recalled their products and stopped selling them in the market, it will be difficult to find them at local pharmacies. Popular pharmacy chains such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens no longer sell Zantac or similar products.


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How Zantac Can Cause Cancer

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