Did the Recalled Drug Zantac Cause Your Cancer Diagnosis?

Legally reviewed by Andrew G. Moore, Trial Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on August 15, 2024.

An over-the-counter heartburn drug known as Zantac was recalled in September 2019 after being linked to multiple cases of cancer. Since then, thousands of lawsuits have been brought forward against numerous pharmaceutical companies for putting this dangerous product on shelves.

A Zantac (ranitidine) analysis by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found “unacceptable” levels of NDMA (N-nitrodosodimethylamine), a chemical that may cause cancer. Six months later, the FDA requested a full recall of all ranitidine products from the market.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have fought For the People—not the powerful—for over 35 years, and we’ve recovered over $20 billion for our clients in the process. We stand beside victims of dangerous drugs and fight to make those responsible accountable for their negligence.

If you took Zantac or another ranitidine product and were then diagnosed with cancer, contact Morgan & Morgan today to see if you’re owed compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What Is Zantac?

First approved by U.S. regulators in 1983, Zantac became the world's best-selling medicine in 1988 and one of the first to top $1 billion in annual sales. It was sold at different times by Boehringer Ingelheim, GSK, Pfizer, and Sanofi, all of which have faced thousands of lawsuits.

Originally, Zantac was available as a prescription and over-the-counter medicine that contained the active ingredient ranitidine. Ranitidine was also used as an antihistamine and antacid. However, in 2020, the FDA asked companies to remove all prescription and over-the-counter ranitidine products from the market due to the presence of a potential cancer-causing chemical in the medicine. The original Zantac (ranitidine) product remains available outside the United States, which means it will still appear in internet drug searches.

The brand name Zantac has been recycled and is now used as part of the brand name for the generic drug famotidine. Famotidine is an over-the-counter antihistamine and antacid that is already known by other brand names such as Pepcid. The new Zantac product is formally called Zantac 360°.

Why Did the FDA Recall Zantac?

The FDA found low levels of NDMA, a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), in Zantac. It issued a voluntary recall at that time and recommended that consumers consider other treatments.

The FDA then conducted and analyzed more tests over a six-month period and determined that the cancer risks were too high, stating, “The agency has determined that the impurity in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperatures and may result in consumer exposure to unacceptable levels of this impurity.”

On April 1, 2020, the FDA issued a mandatory recall of all ranitidine products, most notably Zantac.

When Was Zantac Recalled?

A voluntary recall of 14 lots of Zantac occurred in September 2019. The full, mandatory recall of all ranitidine products occurred on April 1, 2020.

Should I Stop Taking Zantac?

Yes. In a press release announcing the Zantac recall, the FDA advised consumers to stop taking Zantac, dispose of the drugs, and not buy them again. Those who need to keep treating their heartburn or acid reflux “should consider using other approved OTC [over-the-counter] products.”

Can I File a Zantac Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one took Zantac or another ranitidine product and were diagnosed with cancer, you may be owed money from the drug’s manufacturer. 

You can contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to determine if you are eligible for a Zantac lawsuit.

What Can I Recover From a Drug Lawsuit?

By filing a lawsuit against a drug maker, a plaintiff may be able to recover compensation for the following damages:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of life’s enjoyment
• Funeral expenses 

Every case is different, so without knowing the circumstances of your situation, it’s impossible to say for sure exactly which damages you might be entitled to.

What is the Current Status of the Zantac Lawsuit?

The third court trial over Zantac was recently held against Boehringer Ingelheim, claiming that the pharmaceutical company was responsible for an Illinois man's cancer.

Two such cases previously went to trial. Sanofi has agreed to settle about 4,000 cases against it, while Pfizer has reportedly agreed to settle more than 10,000. The companies have also settled some individual cases before trial.

The majority of the lawsuits are in Delaware state court, where a judge in June allowed more than 70,000 cases to go forward after rejecting the defendants' bid to keep key plaintiffs' expert witnesses out of court on the grounds that their scientific methods were not reliable. The companies are appealing that ruling.

How Do I File a Zantac Lawsuit?

The first step in filing a Zantac lawsuit is to speak with a personal injury lawyer. At Morgan & Morgan, our consultations are free, and it costs nothing upfront to hire us. In fact, we get paid only if we successfully resolve your case.

Hiring a dangerous drug attorney from Morgan & Morgan is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.

For over 35 years, we’ve battled countless drug companies on our way to recovering more than $20 billion for our clients. Our attorneys are trial-ready and willing to fight For the People.

If you think you may have a Zantac lawsuit, reach out today and learn more about your legal options. We can help you take your first steps toward justice.