Millions of patients may have been exposed to NDMA, a known carcinogen linked to a variety of cancers, thanks to medications they thought were safe. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced voluntary recalls of ranitidine (Zantac) and metformin after research indicated certain lots of those drugs contained unacceptable levels of NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine).
Our NDMA Recall Lawyers Fight for Patients Like You
Too often, drug companies mislead consumers into thinking medications are safer than they actually are, not acknowledging catastrophic consequences like an increased NDMA cancer risk. These companies put profits ahead of safety, either by knowingly failing to warn patients about the risks or by not conducting adequate testing to determine how safe their drugs are.
At Class Action Claim Center, we see the devastating consequences patients who are exposed to dangerous drugs face. We fight tirelessly to protect patients’ rights to safe medications and ensure those who are harmed by pharmaceutical companies are properly compensated for their injuries. Our clients trust us to provide aggressive legal representation, maximize their compensation, and offer compassionate guidance throughout the claims process.
If you or a loved one took metformin or ranitidine and were later diagnosed with cancer, contact us today to discuss your legal options.
NDMA in Medication FAQ
What is NDMA?
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) is a semivolatile organic chemical. It forms both during industrial processes and naturally, but is currently only produced in the US for research purposes. Some chemical reactions, however, can cause NDMA to be unintentionally produced. It can form, for example, at wastewater treatment plants and rubber and tire manufacturers.
How was NDMA contamination found in medication?
In 2018, online pharmacy Valisure made the first discovery of NDMA in a drug. That drug was valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Two other medications in the same class, irbesartan and losartan also contained NDMA.
Valisure then found NDMA in ranitidine (Zantac) in 2019 and alerted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the issue. Following that, the FDA published a statement that it would investigate the potential ranitidine NDMA link. In April 2020, the FDA requested a Zantac recall, stating that it found evidence of high levels of NDMA in ranitidine.
Meanwhile, Valisure also found evidence of high levels of NDMA in metformin. Again, the FDA announced it would conduct its own research into NDMA in medicine. The agency later requested five companies recall certain metformin lots.
Source: https://www.valisure.com/blog/valisure-news/valisure-detects-high-levels-of-ndma-in-metformin/
Source: https://www.valisure.com/wp-content/uploads/Valisure-FDA-Citizen-Petition-on-Metformin-v3.9.pdf
What drugs contain NDMA?
NDMA tainted drugs include:
- Valsartan
- Irbesartan
- Losartan
- Metformin
- Ranitidine
Did the FDA recall NDMA tainted drugs?
Yes, the FDA has recalled certain drugs found to contain high levels of NDMA. Both metformin and ranitidine have been the subject of FDA recalls.
How does NDMA get into medications?
Scientists don’t know yet how NDMA is formed in medications. It is possible that side reactions from drug production result in NDMA formation, or that unstable drug compounds breaking down cause it, or even that the NDMA is caused by solvent contamination.
Is NDMA a known carcinogen?
Yes, scientists have known about the NDMA cancer link for decades. In a 2018 study published in BMJ, scientists wrote that NDMA “is one of the most well characterized and most potent animal carcinogens known and has been shown to be a potent carcinogen across all species that have been investigated,” including as a single dose and through long-term exposure.
Why is NDMA linked to cancer?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), animal studies regarding NDMA exposure resulted in tumors, including tumors in the liver, respiratory tract, kidneys, and blood vessels.
The EPA classes NDMA as a B2 carcinogen—a probable human carcinogen—based on laboratory studies in animals. This means that NDMA may cause cancer in humans. The US Department of Health and Human Services says NDMA is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies NDMA as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans.
“There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of N-nitrosodimethylamine in many experimental animal species,” the IARC writes. “Similarities in its metabolism by human and rodent tissues have been demonstrated. Although no epidemiological data were available (and efforts should be directed toward this end), N-nitrosodimethylamine should be regarded for practical purposes as if it were carcinogenic to humans.”
Source: https://monographs.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mono17.pdf
Is NDMA in medication dangerous? (H2)
Yes, based on scientific studies and NDMA’s classification as a probable human carcinogen, we believe NDMA is dangerous. The presence of NDMA at excessively high levels in drugs marketed as safe is unacceptable and puts patients at an unnecessary risk of serious health consequences.
The FDA’s acceptable daily NDMA limit is 96 nanograms per day, based on animal studies. In testing, some medications showed NDMA levels up to 11 times higher than that daily limit. Given that many patients take multiple doses of some medications each day for the rest of their life, they could be exposing themselves to unreasonably high NDMA contamination over a long period.
What are the side effects of NDMA?
NDMA is a yellow liquid that has no obvious odor or flavor. Most people are exposed to it at low levels on a daily basis, through foods, shampoos, tobacco or cleansers.
NDMA side effects:
- Cancer
- Jaundice
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
What drugs contain the NDMA carcinogen?
If you have taken the following medications and been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit:
Metformin made by:
- Apotex Inc
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
- Marksans Pharma LTD (labeled as Time-Cap)
- Lupin LTD
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
Ranitidine (known by its brand name, Zantac), made by any manufacturer:
- American Health Packaging
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals
- Aurobindo Pharma USA
- Apotex Corp
- Appco Pharma
- Denton Pharma (dba Northwind Pharmaceuticals)
- Reddy’s Laboratories
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
- Golden State Medical Supply
- Lannett Company
- Novitium Pharma
- Perrigo Company
- Precision Dose
- Sandoz
- Sanofi
What types of cancer does NDMA cause?
NDMA cancer types:
- Liver cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colon cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Esophageal cancer
Do I need an NDMA drug lawyer?
Patients like you trust pharmaceutical companies to produce drugs that are safe to use. They also trust drug companies to provide proper warnings about the risks associated with their products.
All too often, drug companies put profits ahead of safety, and only take patient health seriously when they are forced to. Lawsuits hold drug companies accountable for their actions and compensate you for the harm done to you. This includes injuries caused by NDMA tainted medicine.
Paul Dahlberg, attorney at Class Action Claim Center, has recovered more than $60 million for clients by refusing to back down against big corporations. As an experienced personal injury lawyer, he has fought against drug companies and knows their tactics.
We have a reputation for preparing thorough cases that maximize claims. We deal with the stress of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Our attorneys provide compassionate legal guidance and ensure you understand your rights every step of the way.
Is there an NDMA injury lawsuit?
Yes, our NDMA recall lawyers are investigating potential injury lawsuits against the makers of metformin and ranitidine for their failure to adequately test for or warn about the risks associated with their drugs. Part of our investigation involves free, no-obligation case evaluations for patients who have taken metformin or ranitidine (Zantac) and have been diagnosed with cancer.
Do I have an NDMA lawsuit?
If you took metformin or ranitidine and were later diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the maker of the drug you took.
Is there an NDMA class action lawsuit?
Yes. An NDMA class action lawsuit has been filed against makers of metformin, alleging the medication is worthless because it contains unacceptably high levels of the carcinogen. A similar ranitidine class action lawsuit has also been filed.
Can I join an NDMA class action lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file an NDMA class action claim if you purchased the medication thinking it was safe.
Contact An NDMA Injury Lawyer Today
Cancer is a catastrophic consequence for taking tainted medicine.
Treatment is expensive and puts a financial and emotional strain on your family. It also greatly affects your quality of life.
Our dangerous drug attorneys have the skills and experience that come with winning lawsuits against massive pharmaceutical companies. We have recovered more than $120 million for our personal injury clients, including those harmed by drugs and medical devices. Our NDMA recall attorneys will fight to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
If your cancer was linked to NDMA in ranitidine or metformin, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against any pharmaceutical companies that failed to warn you about the NDMA cancer risk.
Fill out a claim form or call us at 507-424-3000 to speak with an attorney today.