Breast Cancer & Zantac
Brand-name Zantac products are commonly used in the United States and worldwide to treat issues such as heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers.
Recent concerns have emerged about the safety of Zantac, however, in response to alarming test results out of the laboratory of online pharmacy, Valisure. These test results showed unsafe levels of a carcinogenic chemical known as NDMA in their tested Zantac products.
One of the types of cancer linked to overexposure to NDMA is stomach cancer. Stomach cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 27,600 people in the U.S. each year, mostly in adults aged 65 and older.
Many people who have taken Zantac regularly, or have lost a loved one to cancer after using Zantac products, are now suing Zantac drugmakers for failing to disclose the potential link between use of their products and various cancers.
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-receptor antagonist blocker) medications and breast cancer. Drugs falling into the H blocker category include cimetidine, famotidine, and ranitidine. The study found no link between H 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.
Who Are The Named Defendants In Zantac Lawsuits
There are several Zantac product drug makers who have been named in recent lawsuits for failing to protect consumers from the drugs NDMA risk.
Some of the biggest manufacturers named in these suits thus far are pharmaceutical giants Sanofi, Pfizer, and Boehringer Ingelheimall of whom have reaped enormous profits off their Zantac products.
Plaintiffs in Zantac personal injury lawsuits claim these drug makers marketed and sold drugs contaminated with toxic amounts of NDMA, failing to disclose the associated health risks to the government and broader public.
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Does Zantac Cause Breast Cancer
There is significant Zantac breast cancer risk. While the FDA has not warned of specific cancers potentially being associated with Zantac use, it has cautioned that Zantac is contaminated with NDMA, which may cause many types of cancer, including breast cancer.
In 2008, a peer-reviewed study was published that examined the relationship between H2 antihistamine-blockers like Zantac and breast cancer. The results of that study did not establish a causal link between ranitidine and breast cancer, but did suggest that those who regularly took these medications were at increased risk of ductal carcinoma a type of breast cancer.
Currently, more research is underway at the Sloane Memorial Cancer Center to determine which specific cancers may be caused by NDMA-contaminated Zantac.
What You Can Recover In A Zantac Lawsuit

If the FDA is right that Zantac is dangerous to animals and humans , patients who took the drug could seek reimbursement and even compensatory damages. In addition, plaintiffs might file actions and succeed for their harms and losses by borrowing from other accepted mass tort case precedent.
In the legal context, this is called damages. Victims can have economic damages and non-economic damages.
The former covers your out of expenses. The latter repays you for intangible harm.
In the pharmaceutical context, courts can be very demanding. They could require concrete illustrations of your damages. For example, you may need to show receipts or even offer witness testimony.
It all presumes that such a case is possible for Zantac and its alleged connection to cancer. If it is, though, this is what you could hope to recover in a lawsuit for damages.
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Questions Your Zantac Lawyer May Ask
What have you been diagnosed with?Individuals filing Zantac lawsuits have been diagnosed with cancer, typically bladder and stomach cancer, by their doctor. The lawyer handling your case will want to know what you were officially diagnosed with and when.
How long did you take Zantac?People seeking compensation for Zantac-related injuries generally had taken Zantac for at least a year before they received their cancer diagnosis. It may be hard to remember the length of time you took Zantac, but do your best to estimate this timeframe. Its recommended that you provide your lawyer with copies of your prescription or medical records to support your claims.
How are you being treated for your cancer?Come to your consultation prepared to discuss your cancer treatment plan with your attorney as well as whether its been working. Your treatment may depend on the type of cancer you have and the stage in which it was diagnosed.
Do you have a personal or family history of cancer?If you or a member of your family have had cancer before, you may be more at risk of developing it again. Provide a copy of your medical records and be ready to discuss your familys medical history.
Choose A Trusted & Respected Legal Team
Zantac cancer lawsuits typically have a number of complex challenges. Most notably, you will need to prove that your cancer resulted from taking ranitidine medication and not due to outside factors. This can be incredibly difficult to do without the assistance of a skilled legal team with access to essential resources.
At RisCassi & Davis, P.C., we work with a team of medical experts and specialists to build strong, powerful cases for our clients. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to personalized client representation, aggressive advocacy, and ethics. We have successfully secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients in all types of complex personal injury and wrongful death claims, and we are ready to fight for you.
To learn more, contact our Connecticut Zantac lawsuit lawyers at for a free consultation.
Contact RisCassi & Davis Today
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Ndma Linked With Cancer Including Breast Cancer
According to the WHO, NDMA is a potent carcinogen in experimental animals by several routes of exposure, including through ingestion of drinking water. The chemical has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as probably carcinogenic to humans and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a probable human carcinogen.
Other research has indicated a potential risk of nitrosamine-caused cancer. Here are some examples:
- 2000: For a 2000 study, scientists examined data from nearly 9,000 rubber workers, following them from 1981 through 1991. Results showed that exposure to nitrosamines was significantly associated with an increased mortality rate from cancers of the esophagus, oral cavity, and pharynx, and non-significantly associated with increased mortality from prostate and brain cancer.
- 2006: In a 2006 study, researchers noted, Nitrosamines are known as the most potent group of carcinogens. They went on to write that NDMA causes liver cancer, and that volatile N-nitrosamines induce tumors in a variety of organs, including the tongue, esophagus, lung, pancreas, liver, kidney, and bladder.
- 2011: Researchers analyzed data from over 23,000 men and women, aged 40-79, who were followed for about 11 years. They found that dietary intake of NDMA was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers, particularly rectal cancer.
Fda Recalled Zantac Over Cancer Link In 2020
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalled Zantac in April 2020 after the agency was notified about excessive levels of NDMA in the medication. In its press release, the FDA warned that higher levels of exposure may increase the risk of cancer in humans.
The agency is testing Zantac to determine if long storage time or high temperatures can also increase the amount of NDMA to dangerous levels. Currently, the FDA suggests that more than 96 nanograms per day is unacceptable and increases the risk of developing cancer.
An independent study uncovered more than 3,000,000 nanograms in one Zantac tablet.
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Types Of Cancer Linked To Zantac
A compelling amount of research has demonstrated that the active ingredient in Zantac, ranitidine hcl, can metabolize to form the chemical, NDMA, which is recognized by the World Health Organization , the CDC, and other reputable health agencies as a cancer-causing agent.
The primary types of cancer linked to Zantac use include:
- Stomach Cancer
- Thyroid
Additional health problems that could develop as a result of taking recalled forms of Zantac include liver fibrosis, scarring of the liver, and reduced kidney, lung, and liver function.
The Content Of The Study
The study failed to find a causal relationship between Zantacs active ingredient, ranitidine, and breast cancer. The study did, however, suggest that people who regularly use medications containing ranitidine have an increased risk of ductal carcinoma. More specifically, the study found that the current use of ranitidine increases a persons chances of hormone receptor-positive ductal carcinoma. This is because ranitidine raises the levels of the hormone prolactin in a persons system. Scientists believe that prolactin increases the chance of tumors in a persons system. The study concluded that women between the ages of 55 to 79 who use H2 blockers like ranitidine suffered from ductal carcinoma as compared to women of the same age who did not use the medication.
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Why Riddle & Brantley
You deserve a law firm that cares. When you hire Riddle & Brantley for your Zantac case, youll get more than 220+ years of combined legal experience working on your behalf. Since 2000 alone, weve recovered more than $600 million in compensation for victims of others negligence .
We are a supportive law firm that truly cares for our clients. We will carefully listen to you, so we understand your needs, questions, and goals. We invite you to review our client testimonials to see what people think of their experience working with our attorneys and staff.
Drug companies whose negligence results in injury or death must be held accountable.
Gene Riddle, managing partner at Riddle & Brantley
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking brand-name Zantac, please call 1-800-525-7111 or fill out the quick form below for a FREE, no-obligation consultation with a Zantac attorney at Riddle & Brantley.
Zantac lawsuits have been consolidated into multi-district litigation , with initial trials anticipated to begin in late 2021 or 2022. We are still accepting these cases, however, and it is not too late to file a claim.
A Law Firm That Cares
If you decide to hire us, we will work tirelessly on your case and answer any questions you have. We care about our clients and their families. We want to take the stress off your shoulders so you can get back to your life.
Justice Counts for you and your loved ones.
Status Of Zantac Lawsuits

The class action suit against Zantac manufacturers in California is the first to officially schedule a trial date. Superior Court of Alameda Judge Evelio Grillo has set the start date for California Ranitidine Product Cases JCCP 5150 for October 10, 2022.
Additionally, in October 2021, efforts to stop the Multidistrict Litigation before the court in West Palm Beach, Florida, were rejected. U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg ruled that cases can proceed. More than 800 cases are pending before Judge Rosenberg.
While the California trial is the first to be scheduled, trials in the MDL in Florida, and an array of other cases in states such as Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Washington could be scheduled to begin before the trial in Alameda.
The first trial before Judge Grillo is the first in a series of bellwether tests, beginning with a case the plaintiffs selected. Next up will be a case the defendants selected scheduled to begin February 6, 2023. The next two are scheduled for May 1, 2023 and August 7, 2023 .
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Types Of Cancers That You Can Possibly Get From Zantac
The problem with NDMA is that it can lead to certain types of cancers, even in small amounts. The longer your exposure to this toxic carcinogen, the higher your risks of getting cancer and other health issues such as liver disease.
It has been found that the NDMA produced by Zantac can have a significant role in the development of digestive tract cancers. Esophageal cancer is one of the many digestive tract cancers and it might be caused by NDMA-contaminated Zantac.
While scientists and researchers are still trying to find further scientific evidence about the potential connections between various types of cancer and Zantac, recent test results suggest that NMDA-contaminated Zantac can cause the following types of cancer in humans:
What Are The Other Causes Of Cancer
Undoubtedly, people cant ignore cancer caused by Zantac. But, an individual needs to know some common causes of cancer as well. Here, people may find environmental factors causing this harmful disease.
So, ones other causes of cancer may include the following:
- Age
People can develop cancers mostly as they grow older and older. An individuals cells get damaged then. However, one can end up in having cancer at any moment.
- Suns exposure
Many individuals working under the sun continuously can have the risk of ending up with skin cancer. Generally, ones skin cells can get hampered due to the UV rays of the sun. Here, the persons DNA damage can result in the division of cancer cells.
- Family History
An individuals parents having cancer may pass on to them at some point in time. The persons genes may carry cancer-causing germs in them. Most importantly, an individuals faulty genes can be blamed for this purpose.
- Obesity
Ones body might undergo significant changes by putting on extra weight. Here, an individuals risk of developing cancer cells rises in this process. Many times, a person may end up with long-lasting inflammation due to this. Furthermore, an individual may choose aerobic exercises for losing extra pounds.
- Alcohol
- Using Tobacco
- Viral Infections
- Chemical Exposure
Mainly, a worker coming under chemical exposure daily may end up with cancer. An individual may face cell damage then. Following that, ones chances of having cancer cells boost up in this process.
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People Who Regularly Took Zantac Increased Their Risk Of Developing Ductal Carcinoma By 250% Compared To Those Who Didn’t
Breast cancer usually starts in the inner lining of the milk ducts of the breast. From there, it can break through the wall of the duct invading the surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body, as cancer causes the cells to multiply uncontrollably. This excessive cell growth causes cancer because the tumor uses and energy and deprives the cell around it.
More than two-thirds of women ages > 45 years who are at greatest risk for breast cancer take prescription and over-the-counter medication. Since the 1980s when ranitidine and the brand name drug Zantac have been on the market, numerous studies have shown a link between ranitidine and cancer. Gene mutations in the DNA can cause cells in the breast to divide and grow in an abnormal way. Aggressive cell growth can form a tumor or a mass of tissue that does not function as originally intended.
In August 2019, a 44-year-old woman from Florida who took over-the-counter medicine for nearly two decades to calm her chronic heartburn was diagnosed with a hormone receptor-positive ductal carcinoma and underwent a lumpectomy one month later.
We Are Ready To Help You Get Through This
If you or a loved one have cancer and you think that Zantac is the cause, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our attorneys help clients throughout Florida and the US. Our goal is to investigate your case and secure the compensation you deserve, including:
- The cost of any medical bills related to your cancer
- Recovery of income lost if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
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Top Cancers Caused By Zantac
Most importantly, the person must know that Zantac belongs to a drug group of H2 blockers. Besides that, doctors use these medications to treat heartburn and GERD. But, doctors main concern is that it can cause cancer. One must note that NDMAs presence contains cancer-causing carcinogens in it. Here, a persons exposure to carcinogens may end up in various forms of cancer.
So, the cancers caused by Zantac include the following:
More About Cancers Linked To Zantac
Ranitidine-causing cancers include nearly every part of the body and have different symptoms and outlooks. The following survival odds are based on the five-year survival rate, meaning the percentage of patients still alive five years after their initial diagnosis. The rate only applies to localized cancer, which means the disease has not spread into the lymph nodes or other body parts.
If you have used Zantac and are concerned about cancer, see your healthcare provider right away. If youve used Zantac and contracted cancer or other health problems, you also may want to contact an attorney experienced in handling Zantac lawsuits. You may be able to recover damages, as Zantacs manufacturers are currently facing more than 100,000 Zantac lawsuits.
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We Are Using Our Invaluable Resources And In
If you or a loved one has taken Zantac and now suffers from breast cancer, you should investigate your legal options. At Environmental Litigation Group, we understand that such a health concern can cause undue financial and emotional stress and manufacturers should not be left without the responsibility of compensating those whose lives have been impacted by ranitidine-containing products.
Contact us today to see how our experienced lawyers can assist you by assessing your case and developing a legal plan to get the closure you need, both financially and emotionally.