Zantac is a medication used to relieve heartburn and other stomach complaints. But according to the National Cancer Institute, people who use Zantac may have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Zantac is known to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by up to 50%. If you are using Zantac and have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should continue using the medication.
Firms like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are working to help those who may have been affected by it. In this article, we’ll find out more about the risks of Zantac and if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit against Zantac for your cancer suffering.
Pancreatic cancer risk
A recent study has found that there may be a link between Zantac and pancreatic cancer. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, looked at data from more than 280,000 patients who had been treated with either Zantac or another type of stomach drug called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The results showed that those taking Zantac were about twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those taking PPIs.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Siddharth Singh, said that the findings need to be confirmed with additional research but that they raise concerns about the safety of Zantac. He added that people who have been taking the drug should talk to their doctor about whether they should stop taking it.
Are you eligible for a lawsuit against Zantac?
Several potential lawsuits could be brought against the manufacturer of Zantac, Ranbaxy Laboratories, including claims that the drug caused pancreatic cancer. If you or a loved one took Zantac and were later diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
If you meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for a Zantac lawsuit:
- Only the Zantac brand was used.
If you suffered from one of the cancers listed below:
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Liver or hepatic cancer
- Stomach or gastric cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colon cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- After October 1984, you must have taken the brand-name Zantac.
- You must have taken brand-name Zantac for at least one year.
- You must have taken the brand-name Zantac once a week for at least six months.
- Within the last 20 years, you must have been diagnosed with qualifying cancer.
- If you have lung cancer, you must not have smoked in the previous 20 years.
- If diagnosed with prostate cancer, you must be 64 years old or younger at diagnosis.
If you meet the above criterion, you are eligible for a lawsuit against Zantac. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case and file a lawsuit against Zantac. Several potential Zantac claims could be filed, and an experienced lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
What you need to know
While no direct link has been established between contaminated Zantac and pancreatic cancer, the available scientific evidence suggests that Zantac may cause pancreatic cancer.
So far, there is only limited evidence to support this claim. A study published in JAMA Network Open in 2019 found that people who took Zantac had a small increased risk of pancreatic cancer. However, the study could not determine whether Zantac caused cancer or if people with pancreatic cancer were more likely to take Zantac.
How to reduce your risk
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no known way to prevent pancreatic cancer, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing it. Like avoiding the consumption of Zantac and other drugs in the class known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Eat a healthy diet. Some foods that are thought to reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer include fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil. It’s also important to avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, which have been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.
Conclusion
If you are taking Zantac or any other OTC heartburn medication, you should be aware of this potential risk and talk to your doctor about whether you should continue taking them. You may also want to contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss whether you may have a claim against the manufacturer of these medications. You may be entitled to compensation if you believe that taking Zantac or ranitidine caused your pancreatic cancer diagnosis, and experienced Zantac cancer attorneys are ready to assist you.
