If you have been prescribed the popular anti-acid drug Zantac, then you may already be aware of the fact that there is an ongoing, non-mandatory recall of the drug, as well as the generic version ranitidine, due to possible issues with a carcingen N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The FDA has issued repeated updates about their findings and research involving the problem of NDMA being present in some of the medications that are being recalled, but there is still debate as to whether or not the amount of exposure due to Zantac and ranitidine has any adverse effects on patients taking the medication. The issue is that NDMA is listed as a āprobable human carcinogenā because it is shown to induce stomach, bladder, and a variety of other cancers in lab testing at high levels.
If you believe that you have suffered as a result of your Zantac usage, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Read below to get some more information on Zantac itself, and contact us now to talk to a personal injury attorney after a free initial consultation.
Zantac and Ranitidine Uses
Zantac and ranitidine are used to control and reduce acid production in the stomach, such as to help you manage symptoms resulting from issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach and intestines, or conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Zantac and ranitidine belong to the group of medications known as histamine-2 blockers and can help to reduce symptoms of acid overproduction like heartburn from acid reflux.
Zantac and Ranitidine Side Effects
There are few, if any, side effects listed for Zantac and ranitidine, but they have been found to cause headaches after oral dosage in some cases. In addition, taking Zantac may increase a patientās susceptibility to pneumonia, which comes with things like difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, fever, chest pain, and a lot of discharge in the form of mucus.
In addition to these side effects, ranitidine and Zantac can cause damage to the liver or kidney if taken by someone with liver or kidney diseases, so it is essential that your doctor knows all of your health risks before prescribing you this medication.
Taking Zantac while pregnant has not been shown to have any adverse effects on an unborn baby, but it is important that you discuss your usage with a doctor as soon as you realize that you are pregnant. In addition, the chemicals can pass to a baby via breast milk, which is another important reason why you should discuss your continued usage with a trusted medical professional.
Zantac and Ranitidine Recalls
As mentioned previously in this article, the FDA has issued a suggestion for consumers, producers, and distributors to reconsider using Zantac and Ranitidine, as it has been found to have trace amounts of the carcinogen NDMA after being digested in the body. There is no consensus on the level of danger present with continued usage and exposure to these trace amounts of NDMA, and many people have decided to continue using the medicine regardless of these findings.
If you do decide that you no longer want to take this medication, you may be able to get a refund from the location where you had your prescription filled or where you purchased the over the counter medicine. Check with the pharmacy or retail location that you got the medicine from to determine their policy.
Contact Balkin Law Group Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from cancer that you believe may have been a result of Zantac or ranitidine, contact us now for a free initial consultation, and to be connected with an experienced personal injury attorney. We understand that this may be a difficult time in your life, which is why we believe that it is so important to have help finding the right legal professional to guide you through this process to get the damages and compensation that you deserve.