Zantac, a popular heartburn medication used by millions, may increase patients’ risk of bladder cancer. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the drug may contain dangerous levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is a probable human carcinogen that researchers use to induce tumors in laboratory animals.
If you develop bladder cancer after taking prescription or over-the-counter Zantac, you may be eligible for financial compensation. You could file a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. In these situations, trust a Zantac bladder cancer attorney at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, to advocate aggressively for your maximum possible recovery.
Why Hire Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC for Your Zantac Bladder Cancer Claim?
- Our firm specializes only in mass tort litigation. We have specialized knowledge and resources that few firms possess.
- Zantac lawsuits are highly complex and require medical evidence to prove. We partner with expert medical witnesses who can review your case and provide testimony on your behalf.
- Our Zantac lawyers represent Zantac victims nationwide in their claims against the drug’s manufacturers. We will partner with top personal injury and mass tort firms to provide you with strong, comprehensive representation.
Symptoms of Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer develops in the cells of the bladder, a hollow organ that stores urine. Many people receive bladder cancer diagnoses when the disease is at an early stage. Common symptoms of bladder cancer include the following.
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine
- Back pain
If you experienced any of the above symptoms, speak with a doctor as soon as possible. If you were diagnosed with bladder cancer after taking Zantac, consult with a Zantac bladder cancer lawyer to learn your legal options.
Zantac Recall & Bladder Cancer Risk
Zantac may lead to bladder cancer due to the presence of NDMA. According to the FDA, humans can safely consume up to 96 nanograms per day of NDMA. However, routine testing by the online pharmacy Valisure discovered that some batches of Zantac had NDMA levels up to three million nanograms per tablet. With daily use, Zantac patients could consume extremely high levels of NDMA that can lead to the development of bladder cancer.
In April 2020, the FDA issued a recall of Zantac after validating Valisure’s findings. According to the agency, its studies discovered that NDMA impurities increase in Zantac over time and when the drug is stored at higher temperatures. However, some batches developed NDMA impurities even when stored normally.
What To Do if You Were Diagnosed With Bladder Cancer After Taking Zantac
If you took Zantac and developed bladder cancer, you may be eligible for a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers. Many former patients across the United States are filing claims to recover compensation for their damages, such as past and future medical expenses. To file a successful lawsuit, you will need to act quickly and bring as much documentation as possible to your Zantac bladder cancer attorney.
After you receive your cancer diagnosis, take the following steps to seek help and preserve evidence.
- Save all medical records related to your bladder cancer diagnosis and the treatment you receive, including bills and insurance statements.
- Additionally, save all records related to your Zantac use. If your doctor wrote a prescription, save it. If you have receipts detailing your Zantac purchases, collect them. This will help prove that you took Zantac on a regular basis.
- Start a daily journal. Each day, record any information related to your bladder cancer, such as what treatments you receive or the symptoms you experienced. Make sure to record your emotional state as well as your physical condition.
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and your legal options.
Statute of Limitations for Zantac Bladder Cancer Lawsuits
If you believe that you qualify for a Zantac lawsuit, it is important to speak to a Zantac bladder cancer lawyer as soon as possible. All states set a statute of limitations for civil lawsuits, including Zantac claims. These laws establish a deadline for filing your lawsuit. If you do not file by the stated deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case.
Different states have different statutes of limitations. For example, a Zantac cancer patient from Hawaii would have two years to file, while a patient from Tennessee would only have one year. Vermont, Washington, and Maryland have three-year deadlines, while Florida residents have four years.
Since you may not discover your Zantac bladder cancer until years after you took the medication, the discovery rule will likely apply. Most states allow Zantac patients to file on the anniversary of the date they knew or should have known about the cancer. For example, if you live in Florida, you have four years from the date of discovery to file your claim.
How Much Is a Zantac Bladder Cancer Case Worth?
A bladder cancer lawsuit against Zantac’s manufacturers can be worth thousands of dollars, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case. Like personal injury settlements, courts award compensation in mass tort claims based on the damages that each plaintiff suffers. Your award value may be different from other plaintiffs involved in the litigation, even if they also develop bladder cancer, so speak with a Zantac bladder cancer attorney to learn how much your particular case is worth.
You can recover compensatory damages for multiple types of economic and non-economic losses, including the following.
- Hospitalization costs
- Prescription medications
- Surgeries and specialized treatments
- Live-in care and disability accommodations
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Chronic pain and disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression and anxiety
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
Do You Have a Zantac Bladder Cancer Claim?
Only certain Zantac patients are eligible to file a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers. To qualify, you must have taken the name-brand Zantac either by prescription or over the counter. You must have used the medication on a regular basis for at least one year. Finally, you must have received a diagnosis for one of the cancers associated with Zantac, including bladder cancer. You must have received the diagnosis at least one year after you started taking the medication.
If you develop any kind of cancer after taking Zantac on a regular basis, speak to a Zantact bladder cancer attorney at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and determine whether you have grounds to pursue legal action.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Zantac Bladder Cancer Lawyer
If you developed bladder cancer after taking Zantac, you may be eligible for a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturers. The attorneys at Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC have represented thousands of clients in their defective drug lawsuits and can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. At your appointment, your attorney will review your evidence and discuss your best options for maximum recovery.