If you have been taking Zantac for heartburn, then you need to know that the FDA has urgently requested drug manufacturers to stop selling Zantac or their generic equivalent. The FDA has investigated Zantac and found it to have a high level of NDMA that is carcinogenic. The levels that were identified in testing revealed that patients using it may be exposed to cancer.
Zantac is the most selling drug in America. Contaminated Zantac has caused cancer in millions. According to a survey report, prescribed Ranitidine is taken by 15 million Americans. Whereas more than a million buy medications that contain Ranitidine in low dose over-the-counter.
If you are diagnosed with cancer and have been using Zantac, then you may be eligible for compensation from the drug manufacturer. You can file a Zantac Lawsuit with the help of lawyers from Shouse Law Group. They have helped many victims around the US in getting fair compensation for the negligent actions of others.
What is NDMA?
NDMA or N-nitrosodimethylamine is highly toxic and a probable carcinogen. You take NDMA daily in your diet, but the levels are low and don’t increase the risk of cancer. On the other hand, sustained high exposure levels can increase cancer risks in humans. Besides, cancer NDMA can adversely root health issues.
- Nervous system disorder
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Tachycardia or arrhythmia
- Hepatitis, jaundice, & liver failure
- Lower the blood platelets
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
- Pneumonia risk increases
Symptoms of overexposure to NDMA include nausea, fever, headaches, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal cramps, liver problems, kidney illness, dizziness, and lung infection.
Can Zantac considered safe for years carry risk?
For decades, Zantac is thought to be a safe treatment for acid reflux. It belongs to a drug group called H-2 or Histamine-2 blockers that help to reduce stomach acid. It has been the largest selling prescribed drug ever. So, according to some analysts, the current contamination problem can be in its manufacturing and not Ranitidine active molecule because if the molecule was defective, then the negative effects could have been revealed years ago. However, it is unclear how long NDMA has been or how it entered the production line.
It is an ongoing investigation. FDA is working towards finding the root cause. In the FDA tests, NDMA got detected in active pharmaceutical ingredients [Ps] and the finished drug samples. Simulated gastric and intestinal fluid test results revealed that NDMA did not form the intestines or stomach.
According to the FDA’s latest lab test report, NDMA level in several Ranitidine finished drugs amplified overtime at increased as well as room temperature.
Should I continue consuming Zantac?
People using prescribed Ranitidine wish to stop it need to discuss other treatment options with their doctor. People using OTC Ranitidine need to be serious about the risks and choose other OTC products suitable for their conditions. The decision has to be based on the duration you were using Zantac. If the drug has is used for the short-term, then you need not be concerned. If you are on the medication for more than a week or month, then stop it. There are many substitutes for Zantac, your doctor can prescribe it. It is wise to be safe!