Skip to Content
McNabola & Associates, LLC McNabola & Associates, LLC
Free Consultation - Available 24/7 312-888-8700
Top

What Should You Do If You Took Zantac or Ranitidine Products?

getting prescription from pharmacist
|

What to Do After Taking Zantac: Recall Steps & Legal Help

FDA Drug Recall: Protecting Consumers from Harm

Medicine is rigorously tested for safety by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) before it hits the market. Even once it becomes available, it continues to be regularly monitored in order to ensure that it is up to a certain level of safety.

When an unforeseen problem develops with a drug and the safety of its use comes into question, the FDA may initiate a recall of this medication. Recalls occur for a variety of reasons, including the drug being:

  • A health hazard
  • Mislabeled or packaged improperly
  • Potentially contaminated
  • Poorly manufactured

One of the most recent over-the-counter medication recalls was for the popular heartburn medication Zantac and all generic ranitidine products, the active ingredient within the drug. Recent investigations from the FDA found that that the levels of the contaminant N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) could increase over time or when the drug was stored in too high of temperatures.

Read our recent blog to learn about the cancer-causing effects of high levels of NDMA.

Immediate Steps After the Zantac Recall

The recent Zantac recall has left many consumers concerned about their health and legal rights. If you've taken Zantac or ranitidine products, it's vital to take immediate action to safeguard your well-being and preserve any potential claims. The recall was issued after the FDA discovered that these medications could contain high levels of NDMA contamination, a probable human carcinogen. Exposure to NDMA over time may increase your risk of developing various cancers, including stomach, bladder, and colorectal. First, discontinue using Zantac or any ranitidine products immediately and dispose of them safely following FDA guidelines.

Next, consult your healthcare provider about alternative heartburn medications that don't carry NDMA risks. They can recommend safer substitutes to manage your symptoms while avoiding further exposure to this dangerous contaminant. Be sure to request documentation of your prescription history during this visit. Preserve all evidence related to your use of these recalled drugs, including packaging, receipts, and medical records. This documentation will be essential if you pursue a product liability claim.

Additionally, regularly check the FDA recall list for updates about ranitidine products and other medications with potential safety concerns. Staying informed helps you make proactive decisions about your healthcare. If you've been diagnosed with cancer after using Zantac, you may have grounds for a defective drugs lawsuit. Manufacturers have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe, and failure to do so can result in liability. Our legal team specializes in holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for NDMA contamination and other hazards. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore potential compensation through a Zantac cancer lawsuit.

Protecting Your Health and Legal Rights

Whether you are taking Zantac or another ranitidine, it’s crucial that you take a few steps in order to both protect your health and safety as well as your legal rights for potentially filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

  • Stop taking the product at once. Once you learn of the recall, you should stop taking the drug and safely dispose of it.
  • Call your doctor. After disposing of the drug, contact your doctor for an alternative medication that does not contain NDMA.
  • Save all receipts and documents of taking the drug. If you find out in the future that you developed cancer as a result of taking the product, you want to make sure you save all documentation of having taken it so it can be used as evidence.
  • Learn more about the recall. To learn more about recalls and recent news about Zantac, you can visit the FDA website for updated information that may apply to you.

Contact a Zantac Cancer Lawyer

If you developed cancer or another health condition as a result of taking Zantac, McNabola & Associates is here to stand in your corner. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined legal experience advocating on behalf of those injured due to defective products. We are not afraid to stand up against large, powerful companies who negligently sold a defective drug without the proper use of warning labels.

We will review your case for free and fight hard to hold manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable for their disregard for human health and safety.

Contact our Chicago product liability attorneys at (312) 888-8700 to get started with a free case review.