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As consumers, we depend on government agencies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), that are tasked with making sure dangerous products stay off the market to do their job and protect us. Unfortunately – and often tragically – defective and dangerous products still manage to end up in consumers’ homes. One of those potentially dangerous products have recently been recalled due to concerns it may increase cancer risks.

Medications Recalled

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from heartburn, you may have used the over-the-counter medication Zantac or one of its generic versions for relief. Recently, however, the manufacturers of these products have issued recalls in order to analyze the drugs’ ingredients.

 

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In September, Sanofi SA, a French drug manufacturing company, announced they were recalling Zantac because it contains N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on laboratory test results.

This announcement was followed in October by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a company that manufactures the generic version of Zantac, called ranitidine. This recall includes both the prescription versions and store-brand versions, including those sold at Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, CVS, and Target.

Although it has not been fully determined if ranitidine-containing drugs do cause cancer, there is a likely probability that there will be liability lawsuits filed by consumers who took these medications and then were diagnosed with cancer. Product liability lawsuits are usually filed because there has been negligence on a party or parties involved in the chain of distribution of the product.

Negligent parties can include the product manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer that sold the product, depending on the circumstances of the case. The negligence could have occurred during the design of the product, errors during the manufacturing, or failure of the company to warn consumers of potential dangers or side effects or insufficient instructions for usage.

Have You Been Injured Because of a Dangerous Drug?

Most medications come with some type of warning that alerts the consumer to the possibility of potential side effects. It is then up to the consumer to decide whether or not the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks. While many people may decide to go forward and take the medication, many other people decide that the potential dangers are too grave. Consumers should be provided the information to make an informed decision.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury or serious illness caused by a dangerous drug, contact a seasoned Virginia dangerous drug attorney to discuss what legal options you may have against the drug company and any other parties that may be responsible. We have successfully advocated for many clients who have been injured because of a dangerous or defective product and will use all available resources to get you the outcome you deserve.

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