Brand-Name Zantac Makers Must Face Class of “Medical Monitoring” Plaintiffs

In early October of this year, the brand name makers of Zantac lost a major court ruling in the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL). The judge overseeing the matter, Judge Robin L. Rosenberg of the Southern District of Florida, issued an order that allows plaintiffs to seek “medical monitoring” claims concerning the potential development of cancer associated with the use of Zantac. 

The Zantac litigation involves defective drugs and failure to warn claims filed by multiple groups of plaintiffs, some of which have already been diagnosed with cancer and some of which who fear they may be diagnosed with cancer later in life. 

Earlier this year, the MDL judge ruled that state law claims concerning generic Zantac, which is called ranitidine, cannot move forward, as they are superseded by federal laws that protect generic drug companies. As such, only claims against the brand name makers of Zantac can proceed. These brand name makers include GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Pfizer.

Zantac Lawsuits Follow Worldwide Recall

In April of 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a massive recall of all Zantac products in the United States, along with generic equivalents. The reason for the recall was the discovery that Zantac products (including generic ranitidine products) were contaminated with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a known carcinogen. 

Many lawsuits assert that the manufacturers of Zantac knew their products were contaminated with NDMA yet took no steps to warn consumers and healthcare providers. Exposure to NDMA, especially in large amounts, is linked to the development of cancer. Some studies reveal significant amounts of NDMA have been found in Zantac and generic equivalents, amounts which exceed the limit for humans.

Plaintiffs Allege Zantac Makers Knew About Cancer Link for Years

One of the most significant claims alleged by plaintiffs filing Zantac claims is that the brand and generic makers of the drug have known about the link between Zantac/ranitidine and exposure of NDMA for decades. Despite having knowledge that concentrations of NDMA – a known carcinogen – increase over time as the drug sits on the shelf, the companies took no action to inform or warn anyone.

Now that studies and investigations have revealed the extent of the problem involving Zantac/ranitidine, a popular heartburn drug prior to the FDA recall, injured plaintiffs have taken action by filing lawsuits.

Zantac has hit the market again with a new formula, but claims concerning the old formula continue to proceed in court. Cancer victims who took brand name Zantac – especially for long periods – may have grounds to pursue lawsuits and seek compensation for their pain and suffering, as well as recovery of economic losses. 

Contact Searcy Denney Today for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using brand-name Zantac to treat heartburn or other gastrointestinal conditions, you may have a potential legal claim. The Zantac lawyers of Searcy Denney represent clients from throughout the nation who have suffered at the hands of the makers of Zantac. To find out whether you qualify to pursue legal action, contact Searcy Denney today by calling (800) 780-8607 or by completing a free case evaluation form on our website.