Our Partner Firm, Chhabra Gibbs & Herrington PLLC, wrote about the recent Zantac recall and how the FDA has decided to pull all of the Zantac product off the shelf due to NDMA and cancer from contamination:
The heartburn and ulcer medication Zantac, also known as Ranitidine, which belongs to the histamine-2 blockers category, has been recalled by the FDA.  The FDA has been investigating Zantac for a contaminant known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine medications. The FDA has determined that the impurity increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures, that impurity exposes consumers to an unacceptable level of it. Ranitidine and Zantac are no longer available for new or existing prescriptions or over the counter in the United States.
NDMA may cause harmful side effects, including stomach cancer, in humans who consume it. Although NDMA is a common environmental contaminant that people may come into contact with by eating dairy products, vegetables, or grilled or smoked meats, the chemical compound is capable of resulting in adverse side effects if it is consumed in high amounts.
In addition to brand name Zantac, generic Zantac has been recalled by Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite-Aid. Other companies that have recalled ranitidine include Apotex, Sandoz, Appco Pharma, Northwind Pharmaceuticals, American Health Packaging, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Perrigo Company, Aurobindo, and more.
If you are concerned about the Zantac recall as it relates to your prescription, you may be able to check the FDA’s drug recall page and compare your lot numbers against the recalled lots.
It is currently not known how Zantac became contaminated, but it very well could have occurred during the manufacturing. According to the FDA, many facilities were using old or damaged machinery to manufacture Zantac and Ranatidine. Inspectors who have visited the factories responsible for making ranitidine and other drugs report that some of these factories may be falsifying records, failing to follow up on potential contamination’s, and covering up these failures.
What are the side effects of NDMA through Zantac?
NDMA exposure may result in the development of tumors. In addition to the increased risk of cancer, side effects may include jaundice, nausea, fever, abdominal cramps, vomiting, headache, fever, and dizziness. Additional long term side effects may include damage to the kidneys, lungs, and liver.
If you or a loved one has suffered one or more of these Zantac or Ranitidine complications after taking Zantac for a minimum of 1 year, you may be entitled to a cash award and compensation for medical expenses. For a free confidential consultation with Zantac Lawyers at the law firm, please call 601-948-8005 or use our live chat.
