GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is the chronic form of acid reflux. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that occasional reflux (GER) is common, while GERD is a more severe and long-lasting condition in which reflux causes repeated symptoms or leads to complications over time. Symptoms include heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, trouble swallowing, and a chronic cough. Untreated, GERD can inflame and scar the esophagus and, in some people, lead to a precancerous change called Barrett's esophagus.

Treatment often starts with diet and lifestyle changes, then medicines that reduce stomach acid. The two main drug classes are H2 blockers, such as famotidine and formerly ranitidine, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, and lansoprazole.

Because so many people take these drugs for years, GERD medications have been the subject of major litigation. On April 1, 2020, the FDA asked manufacturers to withdraw all ranitidine (Zantac) products from the U.S. market after finding that levels of the probable carcinogen NDMA in some products could increase over time and with heat. That led to thousands of cancer lawsuits, many of which were dismissed in federal court on scientific grounds, while others proceeded in state courts. PPI users have also sued, alleging that long-term use caused kidney disease. The manufacturers have denied the allegations.

If you took a GERD drug for a long period and were later diagnosed with a serious illness, keep your pharmacy records, including over-the-counter purchases if possible. Our mass tort guide and our kidney disease entry explain how these claims work.