Miami Accident Lawyer Blog
If you take certain medications for high blood pressure, heartburn, ulcers, and related medical conditions, you may be aware of multiple product recalls announced during 2019 and continuing throughout 2020. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) outlines the risks involved with these prescription and over-the-counter drugs, which may contain unsafe amounts of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) – a substance recognized by US officials and international medical groups as having the potential to cause cancer.
While the NDMA contamination may seem like a typical dangerous drug case, there are several factors that make these matters complicated. You can trust a Miami products liability lawyer to explain the laws and assist with your legal remedies, but some basic information may be helpful.
Dangerous Drugs Linked to NDMA Impurities
While many medications may be dangerous because of a substance intentionally included in the formula, others pose a risk because contaminants make their way into the drug unintentionally. Such is the case with NDMA in medications for high blood pressure, heartburn, ulcers, and other ailments. Some of the drugs that contain unacceptable levels of NDMA include:
- Zantac and generic brands of ranitidine;
- Valsartan and other angiotensin II receptor blockers; and,
- Metformin.
Health Implications of NDMA Exposure
The primary issue with NDMA contamination is that high levels of the substance can lead patients to develop cancer and other medical conditions after taking any of the affected medications. Individuals have been diagnosed with cancers of the bladder, stomach, liver, kidney, and other organs of the digestive tract. While some forms of cancer are treatable, the care plan may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other harsh procedures.
Your Rights After Being Harmed by NDMA
There are multiple lawsuits currently pending against the manufacturers of drugs contaminated with NDMA, many of which center on the companies’ failure to warn the public about the dangers. Plaintiffs allege that various drug makers knew that their product had been tainted by a carcinogenic substance, but they did nothing to warn physicians and patients.
If you developed cancer after taking Zantac, Valsartan, Metformin, their generics, or related medications containing high levels of NDMA, you may have a claim. The nature of your remedies depends on numerous factors and whether you qualify to join the class action – or if you have other separate options. You may qualify to recover monetary damages for:
- Your medical bills, including costs of cancer treatment;
- Emotional distress;
- Pain and suffering;
- Diminished quality of life; and,
- Many other types of compensation.
Contact a Miami Products Liability Attorney for More Information
As you can see, cases involving NDMA contaminated medications can be complex. Though you have legal remedies if you were harmed, you put your rights at risk by attempting to represent yourself. You can trust our team at Gerson & Schwartz, PA to assist with your claim, as we have significant experience representing clients in products liability cases. For more information please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL.