Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with cancer after using Zantac or ranitidine?
In October 2024, GSK agreed to a $2.2 billion settlement to resolve approximately 80,000 lawsuits claiming that its now-discontinued version of the heartburn medication Zantac was linked to cancer. If you or a loved one took Zantac or generic ranitidine and were later diagnosed with cancer, you may have a legal claim.
In 2019, manufacturers of Zantac and generic ranitidine voluntarily recalled these medications due to the presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a substance classified as a probable human carcinogen by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other international agencies. Many consumers may have unknowingly purchased these contaminated products.
Individuals who took the recalled medication may face an increased risk of developing certain cancers, such as:
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
Were You Affected?
If you or a loved one took Zantac and later developed cancer, you may have a legal claim.
Fill out the form on this page for more information.
Zantac and ranitidine overview
Zantac and its generic form, ranitidine, belong to a class of drugs known as H2 blockers. These drugs work to reduce stomach acid production and are commonly used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn. Unlike other heartburn medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers like Zantac function by moderating the body’s immune response during digestion. Despite the drug’s popularity, the recent recalls underscore the risks associated with NDMA contamination, which could potentially increase cancer risk.
In September 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised alarms about low levels of NDMA in some ranitidine medicines, including Zantac products. While some NDMA exposure is unavoidable through diet and environmental factors, studies indicate that NDMA levels in ranitidine can significantly increase under certain acidic conditions, such as those in the stomach. Consequently, the FDA established “reasonably safe” limits for NDMA exposure in medications, but further research led to the eventual market removal of all ranitidine-based products in April 2020.
NDMA contamination and cancer risks
NDMA is a byproduct of certain industrial processes and can be found in cured meats, tobacco smoke, and other environmental contaminants. Known for its carcinogenic properties, NDMA is believed to damage DNA, triggering mutations that may lead to cancer. Although human studies on NDMA are limited, lab research on animals has shown a significant link between NDMA exposure and cancer.
In 2021, research suggested that under specific conditions, NDMA levels in ranitidine could increase dramatically, presenting a particular concern for long-term users of the drug. For many patients, this heightened risk went unnoticed, as many were unaware of any potential carcinogenic risks associated with their medications.
Zantac lawsuits over cancer risks
Zantac lawsuits against manufacturers Sanofi, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim and GlaxoSmithKline argue that they should have warned consumers of the potential cancer risks. A 2023 Bloomberg report suggested that some manufacturers may have been aware of NDMA contamination for decades before the Zantac recalls, but allegedly downplayed the risks.
Join a Zantac cancer lawsuit investigation
If you or a loved one took Zantac or generic ranitidine and later received a cancer diagnosis, you may qualify for a free case evaluation. Zantac cancer lawsuits seek to secure compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses due to Zantac-related cancer risks.
For more information or to find out if you qualify, fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.