By now, the news of the US Food And Drug Administration (FDA) ordering the recall of Zantac (ranitidine) from the market is all over the place. Class suits are arising, and many concerned patients are scrambling on to replace their Zantac medication. All these sprung from the growing concerns of the highly unacceptable levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a type of chemical that may be a strong carcinogen for human beings. In this article, you will get to know things to do after cancer from Zantac diagnosis.
For patients who may have been taking Zantac for quite a while now, fear may be on their minds. They may be asking themselves now, “Can Zantac lead to cancer?” Some are safe from cancer, but there are also accounts of patients joining the class suits after developing cancer from regular and long-term Zantac use. While this fact may be unfortunate, it’s also important to remember that cancer isn’t a death sentence. What matters is how quickly you bring attention to your diagnosis and pay close attention to everything you’ll have to do after your cancer diagnosis due to Zantac use. Here’s how you can go about it:
- Ask Your Doctor For Replacement Medication
Zantac is a common medication, belonging to a group of medicines known as histamine-2 blockers. What it does in your body is reduce the amount of acid it produces. With this, Zantac is commonly used to prevent and treat ulcers. It’s also prescribed for patients suffering from acid reflux and heartburn.
While Zantac (ranitidine) has a positive effect on those seemingly light and manageable health problems, it can, unfortunately, bring about negative effects in the long run. The reason for this is the high NDMA content of Zantac.
So, one of the very first things you have to do after the diagnosis is to ask for replacement medication. That way, you can still continue your treatment for your ailment, such as heartburn, acid reflux, or ulcer.
If you’ve been dependent on Zantac for a long time now, don’t stop using it right away. Otherwise, you may even suffer from withdrawal symptoms and experience a relapse. You need proper guidance from your doctor to ensure your withdrawal from the said medication is done the right way.
- Contact Your Lawyer
This second tip applies for those who feel like you need to file a case, along with the many others who did. Well, there are patients who’d rather focus on their medical treatment first in order to get over their battle with the Big C. But, there are also those who feel they need to put the manufacturers in the right place due to their deliberate misinformation on the possible links of the said medication to cancer.
If you intend to file a case while undergoing medical treatment, get a hold of a lawyer immediately. They can help you process your claim, so you’ll have a legitimate case in court. Because your main argument is that Zantac may cause cancer, it’s important to have records and accounts of how your health has deteriorated after taking cancer. By doing so, the proper causal connection can be established by your lawyer to strengthen your case.
- Get A Hold Of Your Insurance Provider
Cancer treatment is expensive that even those with an extensive medical coverage may still find cancer treatment costly. So, it’s just but fitting to get a hold of your insurance provider immediately after your diagnosis. That way, you can settle your finances early on, such that you’re certain you can afford your medical treatments.
Also, economic injury or losses form one of the foundations in your personal injury lawsuit. With the right lawyer, you may be able to receive compensation for all the economic losses you’ve suffered from cancer due to Zantac use.
- Meet With An Oncologist
After your cancer diagnosis, you’ll be referred to a cancer specialist or an oncologist. Your oncologist will order a thorough examination to determine the extent or stage of your cancer, and even the type of cancer you have. The results can shape the type of treatment you’ll have to undergo.
Generally, there are symptoms you may be suffering from, which would lead your doctor to conduct further tests in order to determine whether or not cancer really exists in your system. The said symptoms are identified as NDMA poisoning, which are:
- Dark urine or blood found in urine
- Unintentional weight loss due to poor appetite
- Abdominal pain not linked to heartburn
- Bloody stool
- Weakness and fatigue, often identified as signs of anemia
Once these are all determined and assessed by your doctor, it’s very important for you to strictly abide by the diagnosis and treatment plan. Don’t be negligent about it as your health and long-term recovery depends on your treatment.
- Get Facts Straight About Your Cancer Diagnosis
To have the right treatment for your cancer from Zantac, it’s important to get the facts straight about your cancer diagnosis. This is also the reason why you have to trust no less than the best and most reputable physicians. The more facts you know, the more active the role you can also play in your recovery.
To have all the necessary facts in order, you may want to ask questions such as:
- What type of cancer do I have and where is it located?
- What can I do to prevent the cancer from recurring?
- Has the cancer already spread?
Conclusion
If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Zantac, it’s important to take action immediately. Legally, this means not sleeping on your rights and bringing to light your case so you can be compensated for the damages and losses you had to endure due to Zantac use. Medically, it entails undergoing the right medication and treatment the soonest possible time so you can move forward from cancer.
While your cancer diagnosis may be frightening, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of your life. There are millions of success stories of recovery from cancer, and when you manage yours well, you can walk out of this dark time as a winner and a survivor.
