Last year, there was a lot of commotion in the medical industry concerning Zantac, an over-the-counter medication that’s suspected of causing cancer to its users. This has led to many questions.
Can you sue the company that sold you Zantac? Is it worth getting a diagnosis if you took Zantac, at least, once? Should you start adopting a healthier lifestyle or look for remedies to cancer?
Unfortunately, in spite of all the news and investigation, there’s still no conclusive evidence that cancer and Zantac are directly correlated. Hence, those that have taken the product are yet to get a definitive answer to such questions. But, one thing’s for sure: You can no longer purchase Zantac from any stores as the Foods and Drugs Administration (FDA) has prohibited its marketing and distribution.
Take note that not every rumor you’ll hear about Zantac would be truthful. Some may have basis, but others are outright baseless, which can lead to misinformation. If you want to stay abreast on news regarding Zantac, it might be worth checking sites like Drug Injury News. On that note, this article will tackle the known facts relating to Zantac and answer your questions. But, first, what is Zantac?
What Is Zantac?
Zantac is a brand name for a type of drug known as ranitidine. Ranitidine is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called H2 or Histamine-2 blockers, drugs that diminish the production of stomach acid.
The primary purpose of this medication is to help consumers treat symptoms that can be caused by excessive stomach acids, such as heartburn or stomach pain. It also proves to be effective as a treatment or in the prevention of ulcers and acid reflux symptoms. Think of it as a medication for stomach issues.
Why Is Zantac Linked To Cancer?
Ever since numerous complaints have flooded the FDA, there have been teams of experts investigating Zantac in hopes of finding the reason it may cause cancer. So far, all they’ve discovered is a specific chemical known as N-Nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA in short.
After months of investigation, investigators concluded that the NDMA contained within ranitidine products can become harmful over time, the longer the drug sits untouched. Danger increases as well when NDMA is exposed to heat.
What Are The Chances Of Getting Cancer From Zantac?
Take note that not all individuals who took Zantac developed cancer as a result. Hence, if you took Zantac prior to the news, it’s not automatic that you’ll get cancer. Still, it’s best to go to your local hospital for tests.
So far, there hasn’t been any news on the risk value of Zantac. What is known is that the more carcinogens you have in your body, the greater your chances are of getting cancer. In other words, total dosage taken could be immaterial.
It’s worth noting that Zantac isn’t the only medication that contains NDMA. As stated earlier, other over-the-counter products have the same component. While some of them contain minimal amounts of the carcinogen, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t cause cancer.
What Types Of Cancer Can You Get From Zantac?
Although Zantac mainly affects stomach acid, below are the types of cancer linked to Zantac:
- Stomach cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Colon cancer
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Breast cancer
Note, however, that studies continue to be conducted to verify this. The main reason scientists think this is the case is because Zantac lawsuits aren’t only coming from stomach cancer patients. Patients with other types of cancer have also taken the initiative to sue Zantac providers. Hence, if you don’t see any issues with your stomach, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from the harmful effects Zantac may have caused. Regardless of the results of their investigation, the best course of action is still to get tested in your local hospital.
Conclusion
The recent news regarding Zantac may have taken a toll on your mental health. The fact that you might have cancer just because you decided to take a particular medication can be troubling. This just goes to show the importance of checking the ingredients of your products, especially if you plan on putting them inside your body. If you suspect you’re one of the unlucky ones who got cancer, it might be the best time to adopt a healthier lifestyle so you can, at least, get a better chance at fighting the illness.
On the question whether Zantac can give you cancer, it’s worth restating that there’s still no conclusive evidence that cancer and Zantac are directly correlated. All that is known for sure is how NDMA can be dangerous, particularly when exposed to heat. The better track at this stage is to keep soliciting reliable information on the drug.