The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a voluntary nationwide recall of Nizatidine Oral Solution, a heartburn medication. The federal agency published the voluntary recall announcement in April of 2020. The announcement was the result of the discovery of potentially dangerous levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This is concerning, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies NDMA as a “probable human carcinogen.”
Patients who used the medication to manage their heartburn disease should consider the following actions in response to this announcement:
Step 1: Stop use of the medication
It is not advised to adjust any medication usage without first discussing the changes with your physician. However, in light of this recent recall, it is likely wise to proactively reach out to your medical care provider and begin such a discussion.
Step 2: Consider an alternative
The medical professionals with Harvard University recently published a heartburn medication update with information for patients and medical providers as they navigate these discussions. The publication provides information on the two primary forms of medication to manage heartburn that may result from gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as other stomach conditions. These types of medications include both H2 blockers and proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). Having some basic information about these medications may help you have a more fruitful discussion with your health care provider.
Step 3: Know your rights
Those who regularly took the medication should discuss symptoms that may be a cause for concern with their physician. These could include fever, nausea, jaundice, dizziness and abdominal cramps. Those who experience these symptoms and receive a cancer diagnosis may want to discuss the potential for legal remedies with an attorney experienced in this niche area of personal injury law. Patients who took the medication and suffer serious injuries may be eligible to receive compensation to help cover the cost of current and future medical expenses as well as other costs associated with use of this potentially dangerous medication.
