In 2020, Siskinds LLP commenced a proposed class proceeding in Ontario concerning Zantac, a medication which is used to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The action alleged that Zantac was negligently manufactured, marketed, and sold despite it containing high levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (“NDMA”), a probable carcinogen, increasing the user’s risk of cancer. The defendants in the action deny these allegations.
Developments
The Zantac (Ranitidine) Class Action was dismissed by Justice Wilkinson of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Dussiaume v Sandoz Canada Inc., 2023 BCSC 795; the judgement can be found here. Siskinds is of the opinion that this class proceeding is no longer viable, and the representative plaintiff no longer wishes to pursue the claim against manufacturers and distributors of Zantac.
In British Columbia, a notice of abandonment of appeal was filed on November 20, 2023. As of this date, the limitation period for bringing any potential claim related to the issues in the proposed class proceeding, if there is any time left within it, recommenced. Class members need to take their own steps if they wish to advance their claims for Zantac (Ranitidine) related damages.
Siskinds is of the opinion that the proposed Zantac class proceeding is no longer viable. On this basis, Siskinds filed motion materials with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to obtain approval of the discontinuance. The discontinuance was approved by the Court and took effect on May 26, 2025. The original approval was for a “without prejudice” discontinuance, which was corrected to a “with prejudice” discontinuance by Order of the Court September 13, 2025.
The limitation period for bringing a claim, if there is any time left within it, may be impacted by the Order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on May 26, 2025. On the expiry of a limitation period a right to sue may be extinguished. Please refer to our Notice of Dismissal.
FAQs
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.