More Generic Zantac Recalls – Here’s What You Need to Know

February 4, 2020

The recalls of generic Zantac are continuing to roll in with the start of 2020 thanks to the suspected carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). 

Two more companies have announced recalls of 18 lots of ranitidine heartburn meds in 150 mg and 300 mg doses. 

Indianapolis-based Denton Pharma, which does business as Northwind Pharmaceuticals, voluntarily recalled 10 lots of ranitidine manufactured by Glenmark because they were found to contain unacceptable levels of the impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Piscataway, New Jersey-based Apco Pharma recalled eight lots that it had manufactured. 

This came after Mylan’s voluntary recall of three lots of nizatidine capsules because the API in them also contained unacceptable levels of NDMA. It was the first time nizatidine, a drug used for short-term treatment for duodenal ulcers, had been identified as an NDMA-carrying culprit. 

The nizatidine recall follows months of others along with pharmacy actions to remove popular heartburn medicine Zantac and its generics from the reach of consumers after positive NDMA testing triggered concerns.

The FDA last fall reported trace amounts of the contaminant had been found in both branded and generic versions of the drug, triggering a series of recalls that lasted weeks. That was all preceded by the initial discovery in 2018 of NDMA and other potential carcinogens in certain “sartan”-based blood pressure meds. 

It was determined that NDMA can be created during manufacturing and also is found in solvents often used in the process. But a third-party lab also reported it determined NDMA can materialize during storage or shipment in drugs that initially did not test for unacceptable levels. 

The agency has assured consumers that the risk is small, saying the levels of NDMA found in these drugs is equivalent to that often found in “grilled or smoked meats.” The agency has also warned it’s much riskier for consumers to quit taking these drugs than the possibility of getting cancer from them.

Chemically known as ranitidine hydrochloride, Zantac is a very popular antacid medication that has been on the market since the early 1980s. Zantac was available over the counter (Zantac OTC) and by prescription. Patients commonly use Zantac for acid reflux, heartburn, and a host of other stomach, throat, and gastrointestinal issues. Some people even use Zantac for allergies to supplement their treatment regimen. Zantac dosage varies between 75 and 150 mg tablets, though some patients take a once daily Zantac 300 mg dosage.

On September 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is investigating Zantac cancer risks after testing of Zantac 150 tablets found the commonly-used heartburn medication contains a carcinogenic chemical up to 3,000 times greater than the FDA’s daily intake limit. The carcinogenic chemical present in Zantac is known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (“NDMA”).

Since the 1980s, numerous studies have demonstrated a link between the NDMA in Zantac and cancer. Evidence has been stacking up that shows that Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim, the big pharma companies that make Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride), concealed the Zantac cancer link from millions of people who took the drug for heartburn, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sour stomach, Barrett’s esophagus, acid reflux and other issues. The lies behind the drug came as the companies made unprecedented profits from Zantac, the first drug to generate $1 billion in sales.

The aftermath has left countless people battling cancer. Many people are turning to the courts and filing a Zantac lawsuit to hold Sanofi and Boehringer Ingelheim accountable for their blatant disregard for keeping users of Zantac informed of the risks associated with the medication. 

Our Zantac Lawsuit Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are representing people throughout Hernando County and the surrounding areas in personal injury and wrongful death Zantac lawsuits. We want to hold the drug makers accountable for placing profits above public health. 

The link between Zantac and cancer dates back decades. The following are some of the cancers associated with Zantac:

• Bladder cancer
• Colon and rectal cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Intestinal cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer (non-smokers)
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Uterine cancer

Other Zantac side effects include headaches, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

Below are some of the most common Zantac brands and generic ranitidine brand names:

• Zantac 150 Tablets
• Zantac 150 Maximum Strength
• Zantac 150 Maximum Strength Cool Mint
• Zantac 75 Tablets
• Wal-Zan 150
• Wal-Zan 75
• Heartburn Relief (ranitidine)
• Acid Reducer (ranitidine)
• Acid Control (ranitidine)

If you took Zantac and developed cancer, we urge you to speak with our Hernando County Zantac Lawsuit Attorneys at Whittel & Melton about filing a Zantac lawsuit. We aim to hold these big corporations accountable for concealing the true dangers of their products.