Can You Get Cancer From Taking Zantac?

In September 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the drug Zantac contained high amounts of the cancer-causing chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Zantac contains ranitidine which fights acidity in the body. Many Zantac users have claimed that they are battling cancer from Zantac. The overwhelming claims against Zantac have led to a major, ongoing class action lawsuit.  

1. What is Zantac? 

Ranitidine is a drug that manages acidity-related illnesses such as heartburn and reflux. Zantac is a popular brand containing ranitidine. The brand has been around for a while. Its sale in the United States topped the billion-dollar mark and the drug gained popularity around the world. The FDA found that Zantac contained 3,000-26,000 times the officially recommended dosage of NDMA. Therefore, Zantac can cause cancer.  

2. What Is NDMA?

NDMA is a chemical that can modify the structure of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid). The high amounts of NDMA in Zantac puts its users' DNA at risk of damage resulting in cancer. One wonders how such high levels of NDMA can be present in a globally popular drug? The FDA said that it's possible that the original ingredients of the drug are faulty or NDMA seeps in wrong dosages during the manufacturing process. Clarification regarding how such large amounts of NDMA entered the drug is still underway. There are some conflicting reports as the research is in its early stages. 

Valisure, an online analytical pharmacy in the United States says that NDMA itself is not cancer-causing if present in the correct dosages. Valisure states that NDMA is required for digestion in the body. Because this is an ongoing lawsuit, information continues to be gathered and analyzed.  

3. The Recall of Zantac

 After the online pharmaceutical company Valisure discovered the high NDMA levels, many pharmacies have removed the product off their shelves. Pharmacies and other companies aren't willing to be associated with products that are labeled as carcinogenic. Companies that have taken Zantac off their shelves continue to assess the progress of the law-suit and have currently discontinued distribution. Drug Injury News covers the whole Zantac journey from its birth and glory to it being labelled as cancer-causing.

4. So, Can I Get Cancer by Taking Zantac?

The answer to this question is that it's possible to get cancer from taking Zantac. The different types of cancers that have reportedly been caused by Zantac include those of the breasts, stomach, small intestines, pancreas, and kidney. 

However, there are several possible causes of cancers including radiation, bad diet, and stress. Therefore, the class action lawsuit has to prove that there's a direct correlation between taking Zantac and getting cancer. Unless that happens, the manufacturer can't be held responsible. At the moment, it remains just a possibility.

If you've been taking Zantac and are anxious as to whether you have got cancer, you must get yourself screened at your clinic or hospital. If you're already battling cancer, continue to discuss with your medical practitioners and discuss possible healthy diet supplements to help you through this process. 

5. What Is The Way Forward?

If you suspect that you're at risk of getting cancer as a result of taking Zantac, you can join the ongoing class action lawsuit. You can also consider joining the class action lawsuit if you already have cancer. But must consult an experienced lawyer to know the procedure. 

It's important to know that there are studies confirming that Zantac causes cancer in animals. However, it's not confirmed that Zantac causes cancer in human beings. The ongoing class action lawsuit and further medical research may confirm whether Zantac causes cancer in human beings. 

If you suffer from acid reflux, you must go for other drugs instead of Zantac. You can also consider some home remedies as a possible solution to acidity-related issues. 

Conclusion  

If you or a person that you know has been taking Zantac, it's advisable to visit the doctor for screening to confirm whether or not you have cancer. If cancer cells are discovered, you can contact a lawyer who will guide you about joining the on-going class action lawsuit against Zantac. Though discovering that you have cancer may be devastating news, you have to follow the prescribed treatment method for the best possible outcome. If you're cleared of cancer but have been taking Zantac, you can discuss with your lawyer regarding the risks you may be facing. Your lawyer may guide you about the best course of action based on your circumstances. While the court case unfolds, you can choose alternative methods to treat acidity-related problems.