Millions of Americans suffer from acid reflux and have used Ranitidine/Zantac for their symptoms. However, they were not aware that this medication may have greatly increased their cancer risk due to a compound found in the medication.
NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) is a known cancer-causing agent used in research studies. It is also a compound that is formed when Ranitidine/Zantac is broken down. This impurity increases over time and when the product is stored/transported at higher temperatures. Some levels found in body systems have been shown to be above the US Food and Drug Administration’s acceptable daily limit, potentially increasing the risk for cancer development. The science behind it all is astounding and further studies are being conducted to fully understand the potential impact on the population of those suffering from reflux that have taken Ranitidine/Zantac. Zantac has been found to contain more than 20,000 times the allowable level of NDMA by the FDA.
According to studies, possible NDMA-related cancers range from bladder and kidney cancer to cancers of the digestive tract, pancreas, and liver. The online pharmacy Valisure first detected NDMA in its Ranitidine/Zantac products and appropriately notified the FDA in June 2019. Other studies have been performed including one by Stanford showing a 400-times increase in NDMA from urine samples after Ranitidine intake.
In light of this information, a new study by Valisure, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Stanford University was conducted. Results and the final article were set to be published in the scientific journal JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) on January 10, 2020. However, just before this study was to be released it was pulled and withheld “for further review”. This study was supposed to outline further the potential connection between Ranitidine and NDMA. The fact that this study was so suddenly pulled, just before publishing, is rather odd and leads many involved in this litigation to question just how significant the results and if pressure was placed for JAMA to withhold this study.
Moving forward much has to be discussed, outlined, and weighed to determine causation and relationship of use with cancer development. There is the obvious concern of comorbidity risk factors and other influences that can raise an individual’s potential for development of cancer. There is then also the question of NDMA presence and whether amounts differ between brand vs. generic and the discussion of frequency and latency of use prior to the diagnosis of cancer. These questions are being researched with some of the key attorneys and experts in the nation to ensure qualification and protect the injured parties.
Do you have medical professionals on your team with experience in this area and a proven history of assistance in pharmaceutical litigation? Not only does our team of legal nurses specialize in this area, but we are working with some of the nation’s top firms developing strategies for success in rating these cases. We were involved in Benicar Settlement reviews, assisting firms to outline some of the highest number of top tier cases for maximum settlement amount. Our team is also working closely with firms involved in similar NDMA litigation related to contaminated Valsartan and cancer development.
It is important to get an early idea of where your clients stand in this matter, outlining their usage, risk factors, diagnoses and outcomes. It is also important to have medical professionals assist in deciphering this information to obtain optimal results.
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