Even though its sales had fallen off due to increased competition, Zantac (Ranitidine) was once one of the highest-selling drugs in the country. For a time, people associated relief from heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease with taking Zantac even though it is not designed to be used as a fast-acting means of relief.
Now, they can no longer reach for this heartburn remedy as it has been recalled and pulled from the shelves by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Instead of reaping outsize profits from their medication, the makers of Zantac are now facing lawsuits because Zantac has been found to contain a carcinogen.
Much is still being learned about the extent of the contamination, but plaintiffs have come forward with lawsuits claiming that they took Zantac and developed cancer.