Zantac Lawsuit: What's New in 2024
If you’ve ever taken Zantac for heartburn, you probably didn’t expect it to be at the center of thousands of lawsuits. The controversy began when NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine), a chemical linked to cancer, was discovered in the medication. This finding has ignited an ongoing legal battle. In this article, Ethen Ostroff Law explains what the Zantac lawsuit is all about, breaks down what NDMA is, updates you on the latest developments in the lawsuits, and provide the most recent news for 2024.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac was the go-to remedy for heartburn and acid reflux for decades. It quickly became a familiar name in medicine cabinets since it hit the market in the 1980s. The key ingredient, ranitidine, is part of a group of drugs known as H2 blockers. They work by cutting down on stomach acid, which can be a real game-changer for those struggling with digestive problems.
At its height, Zantac was incredibly popular. It was the 50th most prescribed drug in the U.S., with over 15 million prescriptions each year. Developed by the European company GlaxoSmithKline and approved in the U.S. in 1983, Zantac’s success was fueled by a big marketing push.
Uses of Zantac
Zantac was a popular choice for managing various digestive issues. Here’s where it was commonly used:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heartburn and acid indigestion
- Peptic ulcers
- Postoperative ulcers
- Reflux esophagitis
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome
Top Manufacturers of Zantac
Zantac has been produced by several major pharmaceutical companies. The key manufacturers are:
- Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
- GSK plc
- Pfizer Inc.
- Sanofi S.A.
NDMA and Zantac: The Chemical Link
NDMA is a chemical that can be harmful and is known to increase cancer risk. It was found in Zantac at dangerously high levels. NDMA isn’t added to medicines intentionally. It forms when ranitidine, Zantac’s main ingredient, breaks down, especially in high temperatures. Studies showed that NDMA levels in Zantac were much higher than the FDA’s safety limit. This led to a major recall of Zantac products in 2019. The FDA found that long-term exposure to high levels of NDMA could raise the risk of several types of cancer.
Health Issues Linked to Zantac
Zantac has been linked to several health problems, mostly because of NDMA, a chemical that might cause cancer. Here are some of the main issues:
- Blood problems (Anemia and low white blood cell counts)
- Vision issues (Blurred vision)
- Heart problems (Irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, and palpitations)
- Nervous system effects (Confusion, depression, and dizziness, especially in older adults)
- Digestive problems (Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and pancreatitis)
- Liver issues (Hepatitis and liver failure)
- Reproductive issues (Temporary impotence, reduced libido, and gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men))
- Cancer risks (Bladder, stomach, colon, liver, and pancreas)
Zantac FDA Recall
On April 1, 2020, the FDA asked all manufacturers to pull Zantac and its generic versions from the market. The reason? They discovered NDMA, a chemical that could be dangerous and potentially cause cancer, in these medications. Here’s what you should know:
- FDA’s Findings: Some ranitidine products had NDMA levels that could be harmful.
- NDMA Issues: NDMA levels can increase in ranitidine (the main ingredient in Zantac) over time, especially in high temperatures. Older Zantac might have higher NDMA levels.
- Recall Details: This recall affects all Zantac and ranitidine products in the U.S., so they’re no longer available.
- Safe Alternatives: The FDA’s warning started in September 2019. Other heartburn medications haven’t shown NDMA contamination and might be safer choices.
- What to Do: If you’re taking ranitidine, stop using it and talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
The recall was a crucial step to protect health, and finding alternative medications is key for anyone affected.
The Zantac Lawsuit
The Zantac lawsuit began when it was found that ranitidine, the main ingredient in Zantac, could break down into NDMA—a chemical linked to cancer. This discovery led many former Zantac users who developed cancer to file lawsuits. In February 2020, these cases were combined into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) called In re: Zantac (Ranitidine) Products Liability Litigation. It’s overseen by Judge Robin L. Rosenberg in the Southern District of Florida. By July 2024, about 2,422 cases were still active. The MDL is still unfolding, with new developments, dismissals, and appeals as those affected pursue justice.
Allegations in Zantac Lawsuits
In the ongoing Zantac lawsuits, plaintiffs have made several allegations against the drug’s makers. These claims are central to the legal battle as those affected seek justice:
- NDMA Contamination: Zantac contains dangerously high levels of NDMA. Testing revealed NDMA levels far above FDA safety limits.
- Failure to Warn: The drugmakers didn’t properly inform consumers about the risk of NDMA exposure or that Zantac could break down into a carcinogen.
- Increased Cancer Risk: Using Zantac has led to cancers like bladder, stomach, and colorectal cancer. The manufacturers didn’t warn the public about these risks.
- Negligence and Product Liability: The manufacturers failed to ensure the drug’s safety.
- Regulatory Compliance Issues: The manufacturers didn’t follow regulatory standards, allowing a harmful drug to remain on the market.
Companies Named in Zantac Lawsuits
In the Zantac lawsuits, several pharmaceutical companies are being sued over the cancer risks linked to the drug. The main companies involved are:
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Chattem Inc.
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
- Pfizer
- Sanofi US Services Inc.
- Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC
- Retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart
Zantac Lawsuit Update 2024
As of 2024, the Zantac MDL is still ongoing. Here are some key updates:
August 7, 2024: An Illinois judge declared a mistrial in a case involving allegations that Zantac caused prostate cancer, as the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision.
August 5, 2024: In Illinois, a jury determined that GSK was not liable for a plaintiff’s colorectal cancer, signaling challenges for similar claims despite ongoing litigation.
July 28, 2024: A settlement was finalized in a prostate cancer case against GSK in Illinois, marking a notable resolution in the ongoing Zantac litigation.
July 20, 2024: Two significant Zantac trials are currently in progress: one involving colorectal cancer and another focusing on prostate cancer, with settlement discussions ongoing.
July 19, 2024: New Zantac trials have started, including a colorectal cancer case and a prostate cancer case, with a recent settlement involving GSK but not Boehringer Ingelheim.
July 18, 2024: A state court trial against GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim has commenced, addressing colorectal cancer claims previously not covered by the MDL.
July 11, 2024: Plaintiffs in the Zantac mass tort case in Philadelphia have requested Judge Joshua Roberts’ recusal due to his wife’s connection with a law firm representing GSK.
July 5, 2024: A new lawsuit has been filed in Delaware accusing Zantac manufacturers of causing severe cancers due to NDMA contamination, with plaintiffs seeking damages for their health issues.
July 2, 2024: GSK has reached a confidential settlement in a prostate cancer lawsuit, adding to the list of resolved Zantac cases.
July 1, 2024: The number of active cases in the Zantac MDL has decreased significantly, shifting focus to state court litigations, especially in Delaware and California.
June 3, 2024: A Delaware judge has mandated that Zantac-related cases be tried in state courts, impacting around 75,000 lawsuits involving major pharmaceutical companies.
May 28, 2024: Zantac jury trials are scheduled in Chicago throughout 2024 and early 2025, with additional trials set for Philadelphia.
May 24, 2024: A Chicago jury found that Zantac was not responsible for a woman’s colon cancer, emphasizing the difficulty in proving such cases.
May 23, 2024: In a Chicago trial, the plaintiff’s attorneys requested $640 million from Zantac manufacturers, highlighting the stakes involved in these cases.
May 19, 2024: A whistleblower lawsuit has been filed against GSK, alleging that the company hid Zantac’s cancer risks, potentially leading to significant financial repercussions.
May 10, 2024: An 89-year-old woman diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015 after using Zantac for nearly 20 years is the latest plaintiff in the ongoing trials.
May 8, 2024: Pfizer has settled over 10,000 Zantac lawsuits, surpassing Sanofi’s recent settlement, with ongoing trials and the potential for more settlements.
May 2, 2024: Angela Valadez’s lawsuit against GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim over Zantac-related colorectal cancer has begun, with a settlement anticipated.
April 22, 2024: Bloomberg reports that recent Zantac settlements averaged around $25,000 per case, significantly lower than initial estimates.
April 4, 2024: Sanofi has settled approximately 4,000 Zantac lawsuits outside Delaware, with specific settlement terms remaining undisclosed.
February 29, 2024: GSK has reached a confidential settlement in a California Zantac lawsuit, opting for a settlement to avoid trial disruptions.
February 2, 2024: GSK settled another Zantac lawsuit before trial, resolving the case with David Browne.
February 1, 2024: Lawyers express cautious optimism about the upcoming ruling by Judge Medinilla, which could impact the future of Zantac litigation.
January 25, 2024: The Daubert hearing in Delaware has concluded, with Judge Vivian L. Medinilla expected to make significant decisions regarding the litigation’s future.
January 23, 2024: The Daubert hearing in Delaware continues, with important implications for the Zantac litigation’s trajectory.
January 19, 2024: The upcoming Daubert hearings in Delaware are set to be crucial for the future of Zantac litigation.
January 14, 2024: An appeal in the Zantac MDL is crucial for the 14,389 plaintiffs, potentially shifting claims to state courts.
Zantac Lawsuit Update Delaware
On August 7, 2024, the third trial related to Zantac ended in a mistrial. Jurors couldn’t decide if Boehringer Ingelheim was to blame for an Illinois man’s cancer. Martin Gross claimed that NDMA, a harmful chemical in Zantac, caused his prostate cancer. His lawyer plans to retry the case. Boehringer Ingelheim, however, says the evidence shows Zantac doesn’t cause cancer. This mistrial follows two earlier cases, where both ended with decisions in favor of the defense—one for Boehringer Ingelheim and GSK, and one just for GSK. Most Zantac lawsuits are happening in Delaware. In June, a judge allowed over 70,000 cases to proceed, despite the defendants’ attempt to exclude key expert witnesses. The companies are appealing this decision.
Who Qualifies for a Zantac Lawsuit?
If you’re considering joining a Zantac lawsuit, here’s a simple breakdown of who might be eligible:
- Usage Criteria
Regular Use: You need to have taken Zantac (Ranitidine) regularly for at least a year before your cancer diagnosis.
Dosage: Typically, this means using at least 300 mg per week, which generally translates to at least once a week.
Time Frame: You should have used Zantac, whether by prescription or over the counter, between 1984 and 2020.
- Diagnosis Criteria
Age at Diagnosis: You must have been diagnosed with a qualifying cancer at 70 years old or younger.
Timing: Your cancer diagnosis should have occurred after 2022, or within 10 years of your last use of Zantac.
- Qualifying Cancers
You may qualify if you’ve been diagnosed with one of the following cancers, and meet these additional criteria:
Bladder Cancer: No family history and no catheter use before diagnosis.
Breast Cancer: Only ductal carcinoma qualifies (excludes BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations).
Colorectal Cancer: No family history or Crohn’s disease before starting Zantac.
Esophageal Cancer: No smoking 25 years before diagnosis and no Barrett’s esophagus before using Zantac.
Lung Cancer: No family history or smoking 25 years before diagnosis.
Liver Cancer: No hepatitis B or C, or Wilson’s disease before or after using Zantac, and no family history.
Pancreatic Cancer: No family history.
Prostate Cancer: No family history and diagnosed at 70 years old or younger.
Stomach/Gastric Cancer: No family history.
- Automatic Rejections
You won’t qualify if:
Generic Use Only: You only used generic ranitidine.
Location: You were a resident of Michigan, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, or Puerto Rico at the time of use or diagnosis.
If you meet these criteria, you might be eligible to pursue a claim.
Filing a Zantac Claim
If you believe you may be eligible for a Zantac claim, consider the following steps:
- Consult a Lawyer: Speak with a lawyer who handles Zantac lawsuits to assess the strength of your Zantac claim.
- Gather Evidence: Collect medical records showing your diagnosis and evidence of your Zantac use.
- File Your Claim: Work with your attorney to file your Zantac claim and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted.
Compensation from a Zantac Lawsuit
If you win or settle a Zantac lawsuit, you might receive compensation for:
- Funeral expenses
- Lost earnings
- Loss of companionship
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Travel costs
These funds are meant to cover the various ways Zantac has affected your life.
Ethen Ostroff Law
The Zantac lawsuit has been a turbulent journey. If you’re dealing with a cancer diagnosis linked to Zantac, we can help you. At Ethen Ostroff Law, we’re deeply engaged in these cases and ready to guide you through the process. Let’s help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for Zantac update and the support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Zantac Lawsuit
When will Zantac lawsuit be settled?
Some Zantac lawsuits have been settled, with Sanofi agreeing to pay up to $250 million in 2024 and GSK settling several cases confidentially. However, major settlements for other cases might not happen until late 2024 or beyond.
What is the average payout for the Zantac lawsuit?
The average payout for Zantac lawsuits isn’t clear yet. Serious cases might exceed $500,000, mid-range cases could be around $250,000, and lower-tier cases might fall between $20,000 and $160,000. A recent $500,000 settlement provides some insight, but the overall average will solidify as more cases are settled.
Is there still a Zantac lawsuit?
Yes, the Zantac lawsuit is still active. Thousands of claims are ongoing, and legal proceedings are continuing to address these cases.
What proof do you need for the Zantac lawsuit?
To support a Zantac lawsuit, you’ll need to provide medical records showing a cancer diagnosis and evidence of long-term Zantac use.
Is it safe to take Zantac now?
No, Zantac isn’t safe to take due to its potential NDMA content, a known carcinogen. Consult with your healthcare provider for alternative treatments.
Is there a Zantac class action lawsuit?
Yes, there are current Zantac class action lawsuits against the manufacturers. These cases are centered on the claim that Zantac contains NDMA, a carcinogen.
