When you are prescribed a medication or instructed to take one by your doctor, you expect that it will help your condition and not cause more harm to your health.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Despite being approved by the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA), some mediations are later proved to have adverse side effects or even cause cancer. One of the most recent defective drugs removed from the market is Zantac, a brand name for the heartburn medication ranitidine.
Cancer and Zantac
Findings from an FDA investigation showed that ranitidine can lead to increased levels of nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a compound that is listed as a probable carcinogen for humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
NDSA exposure has previously been linked to the following cancers:
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Colon or rectum
- Esophagus
- Liver
If you developed one of these cancers as a result of using Zantac, you may be entitled to money damages. A defective drug case is a type of product liability lawsuit that involves an individual’s injuries or illnesses caused by a defective product, such as a toy, electronic device, or in this case, a defective drug.
Proving a Defective Drug Lawsuit
To potentially qualify for compensation, three things must be proven:
- You used the product. You must prove that you used Zantac, which can be easily done with pharmacy records. Proving over-the-counter use can be a little more tricky, but can be accomplished with receipts, notes that your doctor recommended usage, and other corroborating evidence.
- You developed injuries (cancer). To file a lawsuit, it must be shown that you developed a type of cancer after taking the product. This is established by your medical records and expert medical testimony. Also, if the cancer led to death, an autopsy and death certificate are important evidence.
- Zantac caused the cancer. To prove that your cancer was causally related to taking Zantac, an attorney will evaluate numerous factors such as dosage and duration of taking the drug, and when you were diagnosed. For example, if one was diagnosed with cancer a day after first taking Zantac, they would not have a case. The higher the frequency and longer duration one took Zantac, the higher the likelihood a subsequent cancer diagnosis was caused by the drug.
Successfully filing and proving a defective case cannot be done without expert legal representation. It’s imperative to speak with a Zantac cancer attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
The attorneys at McNabola & Associates have many years of experience representing individuals in defective drug cases. We will work hard to protect your rights and fight on your behalf.
The time to act is now. Contact McNabola & Associates at (312) 888-8700 or fill out our online contact form to get started with a free consultation.
