If you previously took Zantac and developed subsequent health problems, you may be entitled to pursue legal action for compensation. Not everyone who has side effects will be eligible to bring a successful lawsuit, which is why it’s crucial to understand who actually qualifies for the Zantac lawsuit. The FDA issued a warning that Zantac and its generic form ranitidine could cause cancer in some users. If you can show a cancer diagnosis linked to ranitidine usage, you may qualify to bring a Zantac lawsuit. To learn more about pursuing a claim for damages, speak to a Zantac lawsuit attorney at Gerling Law today. Send us a message or call (888) 437-5464 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. What Is Wrong with Zantac? Zantac is both a prescription and over-the-counter medication designed to decrease the amount of acid your stomach produces. It could help with heartburn, acid reflux, and other throat, gastrointestinal, and stomach issues. However, in April 2020, the FDA announced that companies should remove Zantac and its generic version ranitidine from their shelves as they discovered unacceptable amounts of NDMA. The FDA’s permissible daily intake is listed at 96 nanograms. However, routine testing by the online pharmacy Valisure discovered levels exceeding three million nanograms per tablet. NDMA In Zantac NDMA is the chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine, which is an environmental contaminant. Low levels of NDMA are found in some foods and water. At minimal levels, there is no expectation that your risk for cancer will increase. However, higher levels of exposure could increase your risk of cancer. Numerous studies have shown a link between NMDA and cancer in both animals and humans. It’s been known to cause cancer in animals and is probably carcinogenic to humans. It’s also the same carcinogen that led to a recall of the blood pressure drug Valsartan in 2018. Some studies on NDMA date back 40 years, and evidence suggests that manufacturers concealed the fact that there’s a potential link to cancer. By hiding this fact, companies like Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim profited significantly. Zantac was one of the first drugs to generate one billion dollars in sales. There are multiple theories on what causes NDMA to become carcinogenic in products like Zantac. There is a possibility that ranitidine’s inherent instability results in a chemical reaction that creates high levels of NDMA in your digestive tract. When nitrates are present, the chances increase. The FDA says NDMA is found in Zantac. Storing it at a temperature higher than room temperature could result in even higher NDMA levels. What Type of Cancer Does Zantac Cause? Research into the link between NDMA and cancer is ongoing. Some types of cancer that could result from NDMA exposure in ranitidine include: Stomach cancer, Esophageal cancer, Colorectal cancer, Bladder cancer, Intestinal cancer, Throat/nasal cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Liver cancer, Breast cancer, Lung cancer (non-smokers), and Prostate cancer. There could be other types of cancers related to Zantac use as well. These could include: Kidney cancer, Brain cancer, Thyroid cancer, Leukemia, Islet cell tumors, Multiple myeloma, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If you have any of these types of cancer, it’s crucial to speak with a knowledgeable Zantac lawsuit attorney who can assist you. Who Is Suing Zantac? The initial lawsuit for Zantac was filed against Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim in California. The plaintiffs allege that these drug makers knew or should have known that Zantac was contaminated with a chemical with links to cancer. The plaintiffs suing Zantac are those people who developed cancer after taking ranitidine. There are already hundreds of plaintiffs, and the list is expected to grow by thousands more. There are several class-action suits, including plaintiffs who have used ranitidine but have not gotten sick. The plaintiffs in these suits are looking for reimbursement for the cost of the medication, and some are seeking equitable relief, such as medical monitoring. More manufacturers produced ranitidine tablets than just Sanofi or Boehringer. Other ranitidine products recalled in the FDA April 2020 release include: AHP (American Health Packaging)—ranitidine liquid unit dose cups and ranitidine tablets USP 150mg; Amneal (Amneal Pharmaceuticals, LLC)—ranitidine tablets 150mg and 300mg and Ranitidine syrup (Ranitidine Oral Solution, USP), 15 mg/mL; ANI (Appco Pharma LLC)—ranitidine tablets 150mg and 300mg; Apotex Corp. (Apotex Corp sold at Rite Aid, Walmart, and Walgreens)—ranitidine tablets 75mg and 150mg; Aurobindo & DG Health (Aurobindo Pharma, USA, Inc.)—ranitidine tablets and capsules 150mg; Glenmark (Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc)—ranitidine tablets 150mg and 300mg.; Golden State Medical Supply, Incorporated (GSMS, Inc and Novitium Pharma LLC.)—ranitidine HCI 150mg and 300mg capsules; Lannett Company, Inc.—ranitidine syrup (ranitidine oral solution, USP) 15mg/mL; Northwind (Denton Pharma, Inc. dba Northwind Pharmaceuticals)—ranitidine tablets 150mg and 300mg; Perrigo Company PLC—ranitidine; Precision Dose (Amneal Pharmaceuticals)—ranitidine oral solution, USP 150mg/10mL; Dr. Reddy’s (Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. sold at Kroger, Walgreens, Sam’s Club, CVS, and more)—ranitidine tablets and capsules; and Sandoz Inc.—ranitidine hydrochloride capsules 150mg and 300mg. If you still have any of these medications in your possession, keep the empty prescription bottles or other evidence that can help your lawsuit. However, you should properly destroy unused medicines following the FDA disposal guidelines. Who Actually Qualifies for the Zantac Lawsuit? To sue for Zantac-related cancer, you must meet the eligibility requirements. To start, you need to prove that you were taking Zantac. If you received a prescription for it, establishing usage is easier. If you took the over-the-counter version, it could be more challenging. You will need to gather any evidence that shows you took Zantac. Helpful evidence can include: Prescription records from your doctor; Pharmacy prescription records; Prescription bottles or packaging; and Purchase receipts. If you don’t have any of the items mentioned above, there may still be a way you can show proof. Very few people keep their bottles or receipts for medications, but you could also try to find records through the following:  Health saving accounts (HSA), Rx prescription drug cards, Health reimbursement accounts (HRA), Health flexible spending accounts (FSA), or Declarations or affidavits that you took over-the-counter Zantac. Next, you must have received a cancer...

The popular stomach acid and heartburn medication, Zantac, has been linked to a notable increase in cancer risk. In 2020, the FDA recalled ranitidine, the generic name for Zantac and other over-the-counter stomach acid-blocking drugs. However, by that time, millions of Americans had potentially been exposed to a deadly carcinogen. Today, Zantac class action lawsuit attorneys across the country are helping victims and their families pursue justice and fair financial compensation. At Gerling Law, our Zantac lawsuit attorneys assist victims in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Nationwide. For more than 50 years, our firm has provided aggressive, highly personalized representation to injury accident victims. We believe that anyone who sustained harm due to the negligence or wrongful actions of a drug company deserves justice. You could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, emotional trauma, and more. Contact us online or call (888) 437-5464 today for a free consultation. The Link Between Zantac and Cancer Ranitidine, used by millions of people around the world, has been sold under a variety of brand names as both a prescription and over-the-counter drug. Ranitidine in its original state is not believed to cause cancer. However, when the active ingredient of ranitidine breaks down, it releases a chemical compound known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a carcinogen. Ranitidine breaks down normally over time. When exposed to heat, however, the process occurs much more quickly. Consequently, if Zantac or another ranitidine drug was stored at a temperature much beyond room temperature, or if the product was exposed to high heat, the breakdown would occur much more rapidly. N-nitrosodimethylamine is an extremely toxic substance. In addition to forming in the degradation of ranitidine, NDMA also results from the breakdown of rocket fuel components and other industrial processes. It can be found as an ingredient in some types of pesticides. The World Health Organization (WHO) published information in 2008 that identified NDMA as a known carcinogen. The WHO’s toxicological review data looked at levels of NDMA found in drinking water sources around the world. No one expected to learn that this extremely toxic substance could be sitting in their own medicine cabinet, disguised as a popular and commonly used stomach acid-reducing medication. What Is the Risk of Getting Cancer from Zantac? Initially, data indicated that cancer risks stemmed primarily from using ranitidine products that had been exposed to heat. More recent research, however, indicates that conditions within the human gastric tract could be sufficient to cause NDMA production. Research from 2016, wherein researchers monitored the levels of NDMA in the urine before and after taking ranitidine, supported this conclusion. Residual levels of the chemical increased more than 400-fold in the urine of those participants who took Zantac or another ranitidine drug. No solid data exist yet to prove how much more likely you are to develop cancer overall if you took Zantac. However, researchers believe that anyone who took a ranitidine product twice a week or more for a period of months or years could face an increased risk of getting cancer. The Types of Cancer Linked to Zantac Use Medical experts and research scientists continue to gather data on this developing problem. However, thus far, the list of cancers associated with ranitidine use continues to grow. These are some of the most common types of cancer caused by Zantac and ranitidine. Unfortunately, this list is in no way complete. It may be years or even decades before the medical and research communities can definitively list all the types of cancer that Zantac may have caused. Zantac and Breast Cancer Risk: Does Zantac Cause Breast Cancer? The link between ranitidine and breast cancer was one of the earliest discoveries about this drug. In 2008, a study examined the link between the use of histamine(2)-receptor antagonist (H(2) blocker) medications and breast cancer. Drugs falling into the H(2) blocker category include cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine. The study found no link between H(2) blockers and breast cancer in general. However, the link between ranitidine and breast cancer was significant. In fact, the use of ranitidine increased the risk of ductal carcinoma by 220% and of estrogen receptor-positive/progesterone receptor-positive ductal carcinoma by 240%. Despite this research having been performed in 2008, the drug manufacturers left Zantac and other ranitidine products on the market for almost 12 more years. Research also links a history of Zantac use to cases of breast cancer in men. This disease rarely strikes men. Consequently, men typically do not undergo regular breast cancer screening. Talk to your doctor if you took ranitidine and have concerns regarding Zantac-related male breast cancer. Zantac and Bladder Cancer Risk: Does Zantac Cause Bladder Cancer? For several years, researchers strongly suspected that a link between ranitidine use and bladder cancer existed. New studies have now demonstrated just how significant that risk might be. People who took the drug for three years or more faced a significantly higher risk of bladder cancer. However, even those who took Zantac for less than three years faced a 22% higher risk than people who never took the drug. Those who used it for three years or more have a 43% higher risk of developing bladder cancer. When detected early, bladder cancer treatment has a high rate of success. Learning the symptoms of bladder cancer—which include painful urination and blood in the urine—can help you better monitor your health. Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer screenings might be appropriate for you if you previously used Zantac or ranitidine drugs. Zantac and Uterine Cancer Risk: Does Zantac Cause Uterine Cancer? Uterine cancer, specifically endometrial cancer, already poses a significant risk for women in the U.S. Every year, almost 70,000 women receive a uterine cancer diagnosis. More than 12,000 American women die of uterine cancer every year. Even worse, experts estimate that the rate of uterine cancer cases is increasing by about 1% per year. This cancer is especially troubling, as it presents virtually no symptoms in the early stages. Although only observational...

Serving in one of our nation’s military branches is one of the most patriotic things that you can do. Unfortunately, military service can leave deep physical and psychological scars that can affect you for the rest of your life. Recognizing this, the federal government created disability benefits for veterans. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers these benefits.  Over time, the government recognized that certain disabilities and conditions were more likely to develop in soldiers who served in a specific place and time. Thus, the VA developed two different ways of assessing and rating disability benefits. We will go over both of them by looking at the disability rating process for Multiple Myeloma associated with two different conflicts and their related toxins: Toxins that came from exposure to burn pits in the wars in the Middle East; and Toxins that came from exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange during the conflict in Vietnam. If you have or think you have Multiple Myeloma and fall into either of the two aforementioned categories of veterans, you may have a strong claim for VA disability benefits. The time and place you served, however, will affect the application process. We Know That Applying for Disability Benefits Isn’t Always Easy We understand that applying for VA disability benefits isn’t always the most straightforward process. Thus, the VA disability benefits team at Gerling Law Injury Attorneys is here to help. If you are in the process of applying for VA disability benefits related to Multiple Myeloma, you might have a few questions about the process. You may have questions like, What is the disability percentage for Agent Orange Multiple Myeloma? If so, you are in the right place. We’ll go over the basics of the VA’s disability rating, how it applies to Multiple Myeloma, and what you need to do in order to get the most out of your claim. Multiple Myeloma’s Military Service Connection Since we are talking about Multiple Myeloma arising from exposure in two entirely different times and places, their military service connection is also different. We will briefly cover both and discuss how the VA designates each disability. To understand the designations, however, we need to explain presumptive conditions and how they affect VA disability claims. What Are Presumptive Conditions? As previously noted, the VA makes it easier for veterans who served in a specific place and time to file a disability claim for a number of specific conditions. We call these presumptive conditions. Often, these are conditions that arise after a large group of servicemembers suffer exposure to a certain toxin. If there is an exceptionally strong connection between the two, the VA creates a list of presumptive conditions. If you have a diagnosis for a presumptive condition associated with a specific time and place of military service, you do not need to prove a connection between your condition and your service. Instead, it is presumed that if you have that condition and served in that place and time, the condition is connected to your service.  Conversely, if you have the same condition but served in a place and time where the condition is not presumed, applying for VA disability benefits includes an extra step. You need to prove that you have the condition, and you also have to prove the connection between your service and your condition. This involves the often time-consuming act of providing evidence to support your claim. Multiple Myeloma Caused by Agent Orange: A Presumptive Condition Agent Orange was an herbicide used primarily in the conflict in Vietnam. It was also used to a lesser extent in the Korean demilitarized zone. Agent Orange’s purpose was to eradicate plant life on the ground so that enemy combatants could not use the foliage as cover. Airplanes often sprayed it over large areas of foliage. This means that anything on the ground was exposed to it—including our service members.  Over the years, research has repeatedly shown that Agent Orange is highly toxic. As a result of its toxicity, researchers have connected it with various ailments and disabilities. Among them are Multiple Myeloma, other specific types of cancer, and Parkinson’s Disease. Recognizing the strong connection between Agent Orange exposure and Multiple Myeloma, the VA added it to Agent Orange’s list of presumptive conditions. Multiple Myeloma and Burn Pits: Not A Presumptive Condition During the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other deployments in the Middle East over the last 30 years, the US military has utilized burn pits. Burn pits are exactly what they sound like: large, open pits used to dispose of waste by burning it. The military typically places these pits within or just outside military installations. As a result, just about every civilian and military service member in the area breathes in the smoke and other particulates.  You can develop several respiratory issues from inhaling particulate matter from a simple wood fire. However, the military burns things that aren’t traditionally incinerated in a simple fire, which amplifies health risks. While there are certain conditions associated with burn pits that the government considers presumptive conditions, Multiple Myeloma is not one of them. Thus, if you served in the Middle East and developed Multiple Myeloma, you will need to prove the connection between Multiple Myeloma, the burn pits, and your service. How Does the VA Disability Rating System Work? Each time someone applies for VA disability benefits, the VA makes its assessment and assigns a rating. The rating comes in a percentage. A 100% disability rating nets you the maximum available monthly benefits, while a 10% rating nets you much less. The federal government periodically increases the maximum monthly benefit to reflect changes in the cost of living and inflation. The VA uses a somewhat complex formula to calculate your specific disability rating. You can find a full outline of the process on their website. However, it gets complicated quickly, so we will just touch on the basics. Essentially, the VA awards points based on various factors, including your age,...