Joyce Reichard, an Associate at Kelley & Ferraro, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Zantac and Philips CPAP recalls, both of which have spurred numerous lawsuits because of their potentially cancer causing effects.

Have you suffered cancer after using Zantac?

Zantac has been found to contain 26,000 times the FDA allowed amount of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen originally developed to aid in the production of rocket fuel. In 2020, the FDA issued a formal recall of Zantac due to this concern. It has been known to cause a number of cancers, including:

• Prostate
• Pancreatic
• Esophageal
• Colorectal
• Liver
• Stomach

Reichard explained that her firm is helping those who have suffered cancer in the last 10 years and took Zantac on a regular basis.

Cases involving the litigation of Zantac have been consolidated in the U.S. Southern District in Tampa, Fla. The pandemic stalled litigation, but court proceedings have taken place over Zoom and telephone, Reichard said. Her firm is currently in the middle of depositions and document findings. She expects court dates to be established by the end of the year or early next year.

She urged people who may be affected to call Kelley & Ferraro, as the statute of limitations is running near.

Philips CPAP machines recalled due to foam degradation that causes breathing problems

Reichard also discussed the recent voluntary recall of Philips CPAP machines and similar products sold since 2009, including ventilators and BiPAP devices — most are part of the DreamStation product line. These products contain a polyester-based polyurethane foam that was used as a sound barrier. This foam can degrade and enter the breathing machines, interfering with users’ airwaves.

The products are used to treat sleep apnea, a common condition in which breathing stops or is interrupted during sleep.

Breathing the foam can result in chronic obstructive pulmonary issues, exacerbate asthma and may cause cancer, Reichard said.

Kelley & Ferraro is currently working with the courts to agree to a centralized hearing in Philadelphia to see how claims can be processed.

She urged anyone who believes they have been harmed by a Philips breathing machine to contact her office.

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