Rising levels of carcinogen found in some medications

A cancer diagnosis is devastating, and it has the potential to change the rest of your life. If you received the news from your doctor that you have cancer, you may wonder what factors could have caused this diagnosis or if there was anything you could have done to prevent it. You are not at fault for what happened to you, but it is possible that you are the victim of factors beyond your control.

There are situations in which a cancer diagnosis could have a connection with certain external factors, such as the consumption of certain medications. There may be reason to believe that medication such as Zantac could have a direct link to an increased chance of developing certain types of cancer. In response to a growing concern over this medication, a few years ago the U.S. Food and Drug Administration pulled all ranitidine medications from the shelves.

Alleviating risks faced by consumers

In 2020, the FDA made the decision to remove all Zantac medication from the market due to a possible connection between ranitidine and an increased chance of cancer. These heartburn medications contain a specific compound known as NDMA, an ingredient that could be a possible carcinogen. Research suggests that the concentration of NDMA in certain heartburn medications actually increases over time if stored at higher temperatures. The longer a medicine sits on the shelf, the more carcinogenic it may become. 

Not all heartburn medications are affected by this, but Zantac was of particular concern for its levels of NDMA when tested. After removing Zantac from the shelves, the FDA also recommended that anyone who previously purchased the medicine to stop taking it and dispose of it. As a possible carcinogen, NDMA could elevate the consumer’s risk of certain serious illnesses, including various types of cancers.

What are your rights as a victim?

If you are suffering from cancer or another illness that you believe is the result of ranitidine medication you consumed, you could have legal options available to you. It may be possible to pursue compensation through a claim in the North Carolina civil justice system, an option that would allow you to recoup your losses and address other types of damages. It may be helpful to start by seeking an assessment of your case in order to understand the specific legal options that could be available to you.