Popular Heartburn Drug, Zantac, Pulled From New Hampshire Shelves Over Health Concerns

April 13, 2020

After several months of investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that manufacturers of over-the-counter and prescription drugs containing ranitidine, such as Zantac, must immediately pull their products from the market. The FDA’s announcement comes after researchers discovered that many of these drugs contain unsafe levels of a contaminant, commonly referred to as NDMA. New Hampshire individuals who suffered injuries after consuming an unsafe medication, such as Zantac, may have a claim for damages under the state’s product liability laws.

Despite numerous studies indicating the link between ranitidine and cancer, for years, doctors and pharmacists have recommended these drugs for heartburn, stomach pains, and gastrointestinal issues. Moreover, evidence suggests that to protect their financial interest, some pharmaceutical companies concealed the link between cancer and the products for several years.

The FDA began conducting more extensive preliminary testing of the products’ NDMA levels after an online retailer alerted the agency of the extremely high levels of the cancer-causing agent in their products. Although, many food and drinks contain small levels of NDMA, the agency warns that the drugs in issue contain levels that are unsafe for human consumption. Some of the samples they tested contained insignificant levels of the contaminant; however, others had significant levels of the impurity. They discovered that the impurity level increased when the product was left out at higher temperatures for more extended periods.

Two years before this recent announcement, some retailers voluntarily pulled medications containing this contaminant from their shelves. However, the FDA was reluctant to tell people to cease taking this medication completely, and advised them to discuss the issue with their prescribing doctor. However, shortly after that, the pharmaceutical company that produces Zantac issued its own recall.

Zantac and other ranitidine medications can have serious and potentially fatal consequences. These products have been linked to bladder, colon, esophageal, intestinal, liver, lung, ovarian, and thyroid cancers. Additionally, many people suffer side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Individuals who took Zantac and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer may be eligible for damages against the manufacturers of the medication. Additionally, those who purchased the drug but did not develop cancer may be able to recover for the money they spent on the products.

If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries or illness because of an unsafe over-the-counter or prescription medication, you should contact the New Hampshire product liability attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates. The attorneys at our law firm take pride in consistently providing our clients with top-notch quality and effective representation. With our representation, our clients have recovered substantial amounts of compensation for their injuries. We have decades of experience handling various types of personal injury lawsuits, stemming from New Hampshire car accidents, workplace injuries, slip and falls, defective medications and products, and instances of medical malpractice. Our law firm has received the distinction of receiving U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Lawyers in America” rating. We continue to serve our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic and encourage you to contact our office at 800-804-2004 to discuss your rights and remedies.