Zantac Manufacturer Recalls Medication Due to Confirmed Contamination

Sandoz Inc. has voluntarily recalled the generic version of common medication Zantac after the medication was confirmed to be contaminated with a human carcinogen. Here, the pharmaceutical liability attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos discuss the updates to the ongoing Zantac claims. 

Global health regulators recently raised concerns about the possibility that the widely used drug, Zantac, could be tainted with a probable cancer-causing agent called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This concern led Sandoz Inc. to halt the distribution of its product indefinitely until further decisions are made regarding the safety of the product. 

Now, Sandoz Inc. has stated that it will voluntarily recall all quantities and lots of Ranitidine Hydrochloride (Zantac) that have expiration dates between April 30, 2020 and March 31, 2021, as those lots have been confirmed to be contaminated with NDMA.

What is NDMA?

NDMA is a contaminant found in meat, vegetables, dairy and water It is classified as a probable human carcinogen, meaning that it is a substance that could cause cancer when consumed. Known adverse effects of exposure include:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Reduced organ function 
  • Diziness

It is important that consumers who have experienced any of these symptoms after taking Zantac contact a medical professional, and report the adverse effect using the FDA’s MedWatch reporting system.

Zantac Contaminations Resemble Similar Cases of Contaminated Drugs in the U.S.

The recent discovery of NDMA contamination in Zantac and generic versions closely mirrors previous cases of carcinogens found in other drugs common drugs such as blood pressure medications Valsartan, Losartan and Irbesartan. Theses medications were found to contain nitrosamines including NDMA, MDEA and NMBA, and this led to the recall of millions of pills from the market.

Speak with an Experienced Consumer Advocate

The Law Offices of Peter Angelos have successfully represented consumers severely harmed by oversight, negligence or wrongdoing of large pharmaceutical companies, recovering millions of dollars on their behalf. Our pharmaceutical liability attorneys urge you to contact our Baltimore office today if you or a loved one may have taken Zantac or generic forms contaminated by NDMA.