What Types of Cancers Are Linked to Zantac Use?
Last updated Monday, October 17th, 2022
Popping a pill for heartburn shouldn’t put someone at risk for developing a life-threatening illness. Sadly, that’s exactly what has happened. This H2 blocker was recommended and even prescribed for acid indigestion. Who wants to choose between ulcers and cancer?
Have you been diagnosed with cancer that you think Zantac caused? Did this type of wrongful death claim the life of a loved one? You may be entitled to seek compensation. The trusted team at Murphy Law Firm can work for you! We’ll use our negotiation strategies to get you the justice and payout you deserve.
What is the Zantac Recall?
Drugs containing ranitidine, like Zantac, were yanked from the market in 2020. Both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription varieties were included in the mass recall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took this measure in the interest of public health.
The discovery of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in some ranitidine products like Zantac was an eye-opener. This pollutant is a known cancer causer. The FDA also found that when stored at hot temperatures, the contamination can get worse over time. That’s right, this toxic substance becomes even more dangerous the longer it sits on the shelf.
Selling these types of medicines became a big no-no. Consumers were advised to throw out leftover Zantac. Patients with these prescriptions were urged to consult with their medical professionals about safer options.
What Links Are Found Between Cancer and Zantac Use?
NDMA can be found in other things we consume like cheese, bacon and smoked meats. But these goodies typically contain only trace amounts. The body can tolerate ingesting particles over a lifetime. When excessive amounts of NDMA are taken regularly, that gets risky.
It seems there could be just too much NDMA in ranitidine drugs. Time and heat are enemies to Zantac as well, increasing their danger. A freshly manufactured pill may be unsafe right out of the box. How was it shipped? If a semi-truck carried it across the country in 100-degree weather, it could be dangerous from the get-go.
Now consider the effects of regularly taking these pills that were stored in extreme heat over time. Unhealthy NDMA levels may begin to appear. The result could the big C.
Have You Been Diagnosed With Cancer? An Experienced Georgia Mass Tort Lawyer Will Get You The Compensation You Deserve.
770-577-3020 for FREE Legal Advice!
Are There Risks of Developing Cancer with Zantac Use?
Yes! Using Zantac has been linked to cancer. FDA tests found unhealthy levels of NDMA in ranitidine medications. Taking such drugs daily could easily pile on this carcinogen. And the more that’s ingested, the more the risk increases for developing cancer.
What Types of Cancers Are Linked to Zantac?
Some 24,000 patients were surveyed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Using ranitidine drugs provided a better chance of developing breast, kidney, testicular and thyroid cancer. Research doesn’t lie. Zantac has been tied to several types of cancers including:
• Bladder Cancer
• Brain Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Esophageal Cancer
• Gastric or Stomach Cancer
• Intestinal Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Throat Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Uterine Cancer
Does Zantac Cause Breast Cancer?
October may be Breast Cancer Awareness Month but it’s always a good time to stay healthy. Studies have found a link between ranitidine and the possibility of developing breast cancer. The most noted findings point to an increased risk for ductal carcinoma.
This stage zero type of breast cancer is considered the most common. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) hasn’t begun to spread yet. The chances of stopping this disease are high, but there aren’t usually symptoms. Regular breast cancer screenings are recommended for those at least 45 years of age.
Does Zantac Cause Bladder Cancer?
A study done in 2021 traced a clear link between ranitidine products and bladder cancer. Researchers found many more cases of bladder cancer in subjects who used Zantac than in subjects who didn’t. The risk was greater for anyone taking the drug for more than three years.
The liver gets first crack at NDMA. Urine can then flush this toxin out of the system. The urine of regular Zantac users has been found to have NDMA levels through the roof. Is it any wonder that bladder and liver cancer are so connected to this medicine?
Does Zantac Cause Uterine Cancer?
This disease begins in a woman’s uterus. Endometrial cancer is the most common type. Since 1983, there have been hundreds of uterine cancer reports caused by Zantac. The FDA Adverse Reporting System (FAERS) has noted these accounts.
A disturbing detail is that this condition rarely comes with any noticeable symptoms at first. While detection is key to catch cancer early enough, it isn’t easy when you feel exactly the same. The best strategy is to go for regular screenings. Avoid using Zantac or similar products in the future.
Does Zantac Cause Prostate Cancer?
A study done in 2000 focused on 9,000 people. Subjects worked around rubber, which is known for having high concentrations of nitrosamines like NDMA. Findings showed death rates increased because of exposure levels that led to prostate and other types of cancer.
The growth rate of this type of cancer can be on the slow side sometimes but it’s still possible to diagnose in time. Stay on top of prostate cancer screenings, especially if you’ve taken Zantac before.
Does Zantac Cause Liver Cancer?
The risk for developing liver cancer increases with taking ranitidine drugs regularly. Studies speculate that neither human nor animal livers are safe from NDMA’s wide-reaching effects. The liver can suffer heavy damage and develop cancerous cells just from exposure to this toxin.
This organ is vital to the body and how healthy it can be. Serving as the body’s filter is one of the main functions. Detoxifying the system is no easy job when Zantac is involved. Cancer may be the liver’s unjust payback for all that hard work.
Have you taken Zantac for more than a year? It’s especially important to look after your liver health. It’s important to discuss routine screenings with your healthcare professional. Liver cancer patients have been known to not experience any symptoms at all.
Does Zantac Cause Gastric Cancer?
The answer depends on who’s asked. Pharmaceutical companies and their legal teams would argue no. Thousands of stomach cancer patients who are former Zantac users would respond, “yes.” Consumer lawsuits have been filed in response to these claims.
There is evidence that backs the consumer. A 2020 study linked the use of ranitidine drugs and gastrointestinal cancer. Subjects who had used ranitidine drugs for more than a year were compared with others who had only used alternative acid indigestion medicines. Results showed a definite dark cloud above the bodies, stomachs in particular, of Zantac users.
Does Zantac Cause Colon Cancer?
Rectal and colon cancer can both be considered colorectal cancer. This condition is one of the most common cancers associated with regular use of ranitidine products. As these drugs are known to contain NDMA, they put users at risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has even voiced concerns over findings. The group agreed in 2008 that studies on NDMA’s impact on humans support theories that there’s a link between NDMA use and either gastric or colorectal cancer.
More than 10,000 cases of colorectal cancer linked to Zantac have been reported to FAERS. Unfortunately, hundreds of these cases ended in death. While the normal age for colon cancer screening typically begins around age 50, Zantac users should consult medical professionals for the best advice.
Does Zantac Cause Fetal Cancer?
There are ties between ranitidine drugs and infants born with testicular cancer. Mothers who took Zantac while pregnant may have unknowingly exposed their babies to this toxin. Researchers suspect that NDMA dangers could be passed to the fetus.
Although normally harmless in babies, testicular tumors are not necessarily a cakewalk. Cancer is still a threat in NDMA exposure cases like these. Early detection and proper treatment are the best ways of keeping these infants cancer-free.
