The drug Ranitidine was introduced in 1981 under the brand name “Zantac” and soon became the world’s top-selling prescription drug. The effect of Ranitidine was to decrease stomach acid production and it was commonly prescribed to treat heartburn, GERD, and peptic ulcers.
Unfortunately, some ranitidine medicines contained an impurity that has been classified as a human carcinogen at low levels. Throughout the end of 2019 and into 2020, several studies have been conducted by public health agencies including the FDA and there have been multiple recalls of medications containing ranitidine and national retailers have pulled the medications from the shelves.
In light of this newly developing information, lawsuits have been filed across America to find out what manufacturers knew about the dangers caused by their products and when they knew it. Depending on how the investigative and litigation process progresses, ranitidine users who subsequently developed cancer, particularly cancers of the bladder or stomach, may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
At the time of writing this blog (June 24, 2020), there are currently 245 Zantac cases filed in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL), which is somewhat similar to what’s commonly known as a class action lawsuit.
MDLs carry with them a certain level of complexity and organization that can be overwhelming. If you have any questions about the ranitidine/Zantac MDL or any other multi district litigation, feel free to CONTACT US