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Popular Heartburn Medication Recalled Due to Cancer Concerns
When we use or consume a product, most of us assume that there are no dangers associated with the product. In the United States, governmental agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Food and Drug Administration are tasked with ensuring that the products we use every day are safe. Unfortunately, defective products or products containing unsafe ingredients can still find their way onto store shelves. Most recently, the popular over-the-counter heartburn medication Zantac has been recalled in the U.S. and Canada over fears that it could increase consumers’ risk of cancer.
Drug Manufacturer Recalls Zantac
Sanofi SA, a French drug manufacturing company, recently announced that they will be recalling Zantac until further information about the drug’s ingredients can be analyzed. Health agencies have investigated the drug because it contains N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a cancer-causing impurity.
The generic version of Zantac is called ranitidine. Many manufacturers of ranitidine have already stopped distribution and pharmacy chains across the country have suspended sale of any over-the-counter medications containing ranitidine.
Sanofi CEO Paul Hudson downplayed concerns about the drug’s safety saying, “We do not believe there is a risk… but we have to satisfy the regulators...” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, however, maintains that NDMA is a probable carcinogen and known environmental contaminant. The FDA suggests that individuals taking ranitidine-containing medications “consider using other OTC medicines approved for their condition.”
Defective Products Can Lead to Product Liability Lawsuits
If it is discovered that ranitidine-containing drugs do cause cancer, it is likely that many product liability lawsuits will follow. Product liability claims are generally the result of negligence on behalf of some party within the product’s chain of distribution. Responsibility for a dangerous or defective product can lie with the:
- Product manufacturer
- Manufacturer of component parts
- Party that installs or assembles the product
- Wholesaler
- Retailer that sold the product to the consumer
Defects within the design of the product, mistakes made during the manufacture or assembly of the product, or marketing errors such as insufficient instructions or safety warnings can all lead to a product liability claim. If you or a loved one were injured as a result of a defective product, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Through a product liability lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages due to missed work, and more.
Contact a Lake County Product Liability Lawyer
If you have been harmed by a defective product, contact a Waukegan personal injury attorney from Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. today. We can help you explore your legal options and choose the best course of action moving forward. Call 847-662-3303 to schedule a free initial consultation.
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Contact a Lake County Vehicle Accident Attorney Who is Ready to Help You
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office. Call 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation at one of our four convenient locations. There is no risk because we only collect fees if you collect compensation. With offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago, we represent clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, and McHenry County.
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