The drugmakers of Zantac have appealed a ruling by a Delaware judge that would allow thousands of lawsuits claiming that they received cancer diagnoses from this former over-the-counter drug to move forward. The drugmakers are trying to fight the strong possibility of these cases moving forward and prevent the victims from receiving justice and compensation for the losses they suffered due to taking Zantac. If the court does not agree to the appeal, the victims of Zantac will be able to take their cases to trial.
What is Zantac?
Zantac was a drug that could be purchased over the counter before April 2020. It was a histamine-2 blocker, and most people used it to treat their heartburn, acid indigestion, or stomach ulcer issues. Zantac was also commonly referred to as Ranitidine, which was its generic brand. At one time, the drug became one of the top sellers in the medicine industry and was one of the first to reach $1 billion sales, making it a very popular and widely used medicine among many.
About the Zantac recall and lawsuits
In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that all Zantac products were removed from store shelves across the country. The reason for this ban was because it was found that there were impurities, such as NDMA, in some of the products, which can increase over time when placed in warmer temperatures. While the FDA did not find any unacceptable levels of NDMA, a cancer-causing substance, in the products that it tested, the agency determined that it is best to be cautious and remove the products from shelves because it was unknown how long the products may be stored in warmer temperatures, putting people at risk. As a result, Zantac was no longer able to be sold or bought in the United States.
After the FDA made this announcement and people learned about the risks of taking Zantac, many lawsuits were filed, claiming that the pill used to treat heartburn caused them to develop cancer or other health problems. There are currently around 70,000 lawsuits against Zantac waiting to move forward in the legal system.
Why are the drugmakers trying to appeal the judge’s ruling?
According to a recent article published by Reuters, Judge Vivian Medinilla, who works for the Delaware Supreme Court, recently made a ruling that would make it easier for the 70,000 lawsuits against Zantac to move forward with trial. However, the drug’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is appealing this decision, stating that “the scientific consensus remains that there is no consistent or reliable evidence that ranitidine increases the risk of any cancer.” The ruling made by Judge Medinilla would also require other companies and manufacturers, such as Pfizer, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim, to directly ask the Delaware Supreme Court for the right to appeal any lawsuits involving Zantac drugs.
It is believed that this appeal is an attempt for GlaxoSmithKline to get one over on the justice system in Delaware. One lawyer for the plaintiffs who have filed lawsuits against the drugmaker stated that the judge rejected the company’s “attempt to end run around the jury system in Delaware.” However, the company argues that Judge Medinilla “should have kept the plaintiffs from introducing expert testimony that Zantac can cause cancer, as a federal judge did in 2022 in about 50,000 claims centralized in Florida.” Unfortunately, many of the 50,000 plaintiffs needed that testimony to succeed in trial, making it now impossible for many of them to secure the justice and financial recovery that they deserve for their losses.
Some groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are siding with the drugmakers, saying that the standards for required evidence in this type of case are now too relaxed, but Judge Medinilla stated that she had “simply reached a different conclusion about the evidence in the case” when compared to the Florida federal judge.
The article concludes with the fact that “The vast majority of pending cases are in Delaware. Only one case, against GSK and Boehringer Ingelheim in Illinois, has gone to trial, ending in a victory for the companies last month.” Therefore, most of the cases against the drug manufacturer are in Delaware, and the companies are trying their hardest to prevent those who have suffered serious health effects due to taking their pills from getting the justice and compensation that they need to cover their medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
How do I know if I am eligible to file a Zantac lawsuit in Philadelphia?
If you have taken Zantac before and have experienced health issues, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the drugmaker as well. Our Philadelphia product liability attorneys are ready and available to speak with you, listen to your experience, and help you determine whether you qualify for a lawsuit. Some of the criteria we are looking for includes:
- You took Zantac or Ranitidine on a regular basis for an extended period of time (usually a few months).
- You were diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition after taking this medicine. Some of the most common types of cancers that have emerged from taking Zantac are stomach, liver, bladder, esophageal, and pancreatic.
- There is a direct link between your cancer or health condition and your usage of Zantac.
- It has been less than 24 months since you learned about your health condition or cancer diagnosis.
The Philadelphia and New Jersey product liability lawyers at Kwartler Manus, LLC have built a solid reputation for advocating for the rights of all clients who have become injured or developed an illness from taking or using harmful products. Therefore, when you work with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will thoroughly investigate your claim and help you obtain fair compensation for your injuries. We offer an aggressive approach, which means that we are not afraid to stand up to these large corporations and manufacturers and demand that our clients’ cases are taken seriously and that justice is served. To get started, please fill out our contact form to schedule a free case evaluation today.