Are Zantac Users at a Higher Risk of Developing Kidney Cancer?

A recent decision by the FDA to recall Zantac and other forms of the heartburn drug ranitidine due to a cancer-causing chemical has led to several cancer lawsuits against the manufacturers of Zantac. Zantac use has been linked to kidney cancer and several other types of cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer after taking Zantac, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies.

Man Files Lawsuit Against Zantac Manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis For Kidney Cancer

A man recently filed a Zantac cancer lawsuit against pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis, alleging that his kidney cancer was caused by his use of Zantac. The lawsuit goes on to accuse the company of failing to notify consumers or the medical community that there was a risk of developing cancer due to longterm Zantac use. The lawsuit specifically mentions a possible connection between kidney cancer and Zantac.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff used Zantac from the 1980s through 2019 and took the drug up to five times a week. The plaintiff said he started using the heartburn drug after a doctor prescribed it to him.

The lawsuit goes on to claim that the plaintiff was diagnosed with kidney cancer and had surgery in 2017 to remove his right kidney. He claims he should have been notified of the possibility of developing kidney cancer before starting to regularly take Zantac.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer usually does not have symptoms in the early stages, but larger cancers sometimes do. Some signs of kidney cancer include:

• Blood in the urine
• Lower back pain on one side, not brought on by an injury
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• A lump on the side or lower back
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Persistent fever not caused by an infection

These symptoms don't always indicate kidney cancer, and can also signify other health conditions. If you've experienced any of these symptoms, we advise speaking with a doctor as soon as possible.

Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer

Risk factors don't always lead to kidney cancer, and many people who are diagnosed with the disease don't have any risk factors at all. However, there are several risk factors that could lead to an increased risk of liver cancer, including:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Workplace exposure to certain substances (like trichloroethylene)
• Gender
• Race
• Use of certain medications, such as acetaminophen
• Advanced kidney disease