Zantac lawsuits are growing in number, but there’s still no word of settlement. Zantac is one of the most common drugs on all prescription plans, and it can cause adverse side effects for some patients.
While many patients have filed lawsuits about these adverse effects, Zantac’s maker has not settled any. Here are five legal things you need to know about these lawsuits before hiring a Zantac lawsuit lawyer.
Zantac is Extremely Common
Zantac is a medication used to help individuals suffering from heartburn, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues, and the drug works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
You can take many medications for heartburn or ulcers, but Zantac is different from most because it may reduce the risk of developing ulcers from the use of NSAIDs. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and aspirin, are painkillers and fever reducers.
Zantac is the Subject of Many Lawsuits
While not every person who takes Zantac gets adverse side effects, those that do will receive compensation. There are many different lawsuits against the makers of Zantac, and these include:
- Product Liability – If the product is defective and leads to harm.
- Medical Malpractice – If a doctor prescribes an incorrect dosage or treatment.
- Wrongful Death – If a patient dies because of an error made by the prescribing doctor (such as prescribing too much medication at once or failing to disclose side effects).
- Defamation – If an individual’s reputation sustains damage because of the drug.
As more people become aware of Zantac’s adverse side effects, they may file a lawsuit against the makers. Lawyers who represent plaintiffs in these cases will try to prove that the company did not disclose these side effects adequately to the public.
Most of the lawsuits filed against Zantac’s maker, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), concern the use of another heartburn medication called Omeprazole. This drug was marketed as Prilosec before it went off patent and became available over-the-counter.
People who have used these drugs on the market are suing GSK, claiming that they are defective due to their inability to warn of severe side effects.
These medications cause severe side effects, including kidney failure, heart problems, bone marrow problems, lactose intolerance, and chronic iron deficiency anemia.
Zantac Lawsuits Revolve Around Product Liability
In most Zatac lawsuits, the patient claims that they did not receive an adequate warning about potential side effects before using this medication.
In some cases, patients claim that they would have never taken the medication if they knew of its adverse effects. The plaintiff then sues GSK for placing a defective and dangerous product on the market, which can cause harm to patients.
In some cases, patients will also sue on the grounds of medical malpractice if a doctor prescribes them an incorrect dosage or treatment.
You Aren’t Required to Pay Anything Upfront
You only have to pay anything if you receive a settlement or are awarded money in court. Otherwise, your attorney will continue to work on your case at no cost. Also, you should not have to pay your attorney any money out of pocket for court fees or any other expenses.
Contact a Zantac lawsuit lawyer today if you’re interested in Zantac lawsuits and how they may affect you. The faster you take legal action, the quicker you can get compensation for your injuries.
