Three U.S. companies have voluntarily recalled drugs that contain the active ingredient valsartan, a generic drug used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. The drugs are being recalled because an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which has been linked to cancer, was found in the medications.
What are the worst blood pressure drugs?
· The company is voluntarily recalling all batches of irbesartan tablets in 75-milligram (mg), 150-mg and 300-mg strengths, as well as irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide tablets in 150-mg/12.5-mg and...
Is your blood pressure medication on the recall list?
· (CNN) Pfizer has issued a recall for a high blood pressure medication distributed under three names, according to the company. Accuretic and its two generic versions distributed by Greenstone --...
What is the safest blood pressure medication?
FDA has issued a recall of certain lots of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) high blood pressure medication containing valsartan, losartan, or irbesartan. This includes some combination tablets which contain valsartan and amlodipine or valsartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide. Why are these medications being recalled?
When can you stop taking blood pressure pills?
· En español. Drugmaker Pfizer issued a voluntarily recall of three prescription blood pressure medications — one name brand and two generics — due to the presence of elevated levels of a potentially cancer-causing impurity. The impurity, N-nitroso-quinapril, was found in six lots of Accuretic, one lot of the generic form of quinapril and ...
Why is there a recall on a med?
This recall is occurring because an impurity has been found in certain batches of this medication. Not all medications are included in the recall.
Why are NDEA and NDMA being recalled?
These medications are being recalled due to the presence of N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) or N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA ). NDEA and NDMA are industrial contaminants and both are on lists of chemicals suspected to cause cancer in people.
Is there a recall on all medications?
Not all medications are included in the recall. FDA has provided 4 key takeaways of this recall for patients to know: Continue taking your current medicine until your healthcare provider or pharmacist gives you a replacement or a different treatment option.
Do all ARBs contain NDMA?
It also is important to know that not all ARBs contain NDMA or NDEA, so pharmacists may be able to provide a refill of medication not affected by the recall, or doctors may prescribe a different medication that treats the same condition.
Can you stop BP medication without a doctor?
Reminder: Don’t stop your medicine without contacting your healthcare provider .The risk of abrupt discontinuation of BP drugs can be significant. If you take a medication that has been recalled, your healthcare provider will discuss alternative medications to manage your condition
Can a pharmacist give you Valsartan?
The pharmacist may be able to provide you with valsartan made by another company. If not, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss other treatment options. If you have any additional questions about this recall, FDA has provided a list of questions and answers here.
Where is Valsartan made?
Valsartan API is an active pharmaceutical ingredient made by Mylan India, according to the FDA. “This chemical is typically found in very small amounts in certain foods, drinking water, air pollution, and certain industrial processes,” the FDA said in a news release.
Is Teva Pharmaceuticals recalled?
Teva Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled two tablet combinations and advised patients to contact their doctors before stopping the pills. A Food and Drug Administration recall of a heart medication due to a cancer-causing chemical now includes two blood pressure medications. Teva Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary recall ...
Is Teva recalled?
Teva Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary recall of its am lodipine/valsartan combination tablets and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets, both used to treat high blood pressure, according to the FDA .
Why are blood pressure medications recalled?
Over the past year, the FDA has recalled multiple blood pressure medications from several manufacturers after discovering potential carcinogens in some batches. It’s believed they became contaminated during the manufacturing process. The recalled medications include specific “lots” of losartan, irbesartan, valsartan and combination drugs ...
Why is Losartan being recalled?
Makers of blood-pressure medication expand their recall. The recall of Losartan is linked to a possible cancer-causing element known as NMBA. The Food and Drug Administration has recently recalled a number of blood pressure medications after discovering that they contained potential cancer-causing contaminants.
How to contact Torrent Pharmaceuticals?
The rep urged that anyone who is taking these medications should call Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited at 1-888-280-2040. The company has shared that they will take back contaminated medications and provide refunds.
What class is Losartan?
Losartan, a blood pressure medication in the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, helps reduce blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from narrowing or constricting.
What is the target blood pressure?
While your target blood pressure is often determined by your age and medical conditions, most doctors recommend keeping it around 120/80.
What happens if blood pressure is too high?
If the pressure is too low, there is a risk that organs will not get enough blood. If the pressure is too high, there’s a risk that the heart will work too hard.
Is NDMA a carcinogen?
Those voluntary recalls came after the discovery of the chemicals NDMA and NDEA -- both probable human carcinogens -- at levels far above what the FDA considers an acceptable daily intake. NDEA is a naturally occurring chemical in some foods and it can be found in drinking water, but it’s also present in air pollution and industrial processes. NDMA is a chemical that forms in both industrial and natural processes.
Why was blood pressure medication recalled?
Several high blood pressure drugs were recalled due to an “unexpected” impurity. Editor’s note: This story on the recall of certain blood pressure medications has been updated numerous times since it was first published on July 24, 2018. Healthline will continue to update this article whenever there’s new information on the ongoing recall.
Which companies have recalled Valsartan?
Since the recall started last July, multiple companies have voluntarily recalled their medications, including valsartan from Major Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare, and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industrie s Ltd., as well as valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide from Solco and Teva.
What to do if you have a doubt about your prescription?
If in doubt, you should check with your doctor or the pharmacy where you filled your prescription.
How to tell if a medication is recalled?
Recalled medications can be identified by checking the product name, manufacturer details, and batch or lot number on the bottle or packaging. If in doubt, you should check with your doctor or the pharmacy where you filled your prescription.
Why are there impurities in medications?
The FDAs investigation has found that these impurities can occur in medications as a result of certain chemicals and conditions during the manufacturing process. They may also be caused when appropriate manufacturing processes aren’t followed.
Is Losartan recalled?
In September 2019, Torrent Pharmaceuticals announced it was expanding its recall to an additional 3 lots of Losartan Potassium Tablets USP and 2 lots of Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP.
Is Valsartan recall a problem?
Dr. Victoria Shin, a cardiologist with Torrance Memorial Medical Center in California, emphasized that the recalls aren’t due to a problem with valsartan.
