September 22, 2019 - Valsartan and Other Blood Pressure Medications Recently Recalled - There has been a voluntary recall of several different blood pressure medications due to cancer-causing chemicals found in the medications. At various times over the past two years, the chemicals dimethylformamide (DMF), N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), N-Nitrosodimethylamine—NDMA, and N-nitroso-diethylamine (NDEA) have been found in certain generic blood pressure medications resulting in the losartan recall, irbesartan recall, hydrochlorothiazide recall, valsartan recall and amlodipine recall. According to Novartis, the company which manufactures a brand name version of valsartan, none of the cancer-causing chemicals have been found in the brand name version.
Teva Pharmaceuticals recently announced a losartan recall which involved six lots of the affected tablets which were sold exclusively to Golden State Medical Supply, Inc., then repackaged. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited recalled 36 lots of losartan potassium tablets and 68 lots of Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide tablets. In February, Camber Pharmaceuticals instigated a high blood pressure medication recall of 87 lots of losartan, and in January, Macleod’s Pharmaceutical recalled losartan after detecting NDEA. All the contaminated drugs were manufactured in India and China. A full list of the recalled high blood pressure medications can be found by clicking on the link below.
What are the Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in the Recalled High Blood Pressure Medications? Records from drug manufacturers indicate the NDMA, NDEA, NMBA and DMF impurities may have been in valsartan products for up to three years. NDEA is used to make rocket fuel and is a byproduct of industrial processes, such as the manufacture or pesticides, the making of rubber tires and fish processing. NDEA can cause blood cell damage and liver damage. NDMA is a by-product of several industrial processes and can be found in low levels in overcooked or smoked meats.
NMBA occurs in air pollution and industrial processes and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen. NDMA, NDEA and NMBA are all believed to cause cancer in humans. DMF is a solvent used in the production of plastics and acrylic fibers, as well as the production of pesticides and is also believed to be a human carcinogen. It is currently believed that the contaminated drugs are the result of an unintentional chemical reaction.
What Drugs are Involved in the Recalls? There are many drugs involved in the blood pressure medication recall; Teva Pharmaceuticals and Aurobindo Pharma USA are only two of the manufacturers involved in these widespread high blood pressure medication recalls. Information regarding the specific recalled products, including doses, lot numbers and expiration dates, is detailed on the FDA's website, which can be accessed here: https://sullolaw.com/dangerous-drugs/blood-pressure-medication-recall/blood-pressure-medication-recall-list
What are the Dangers of Valsartan and Other Recalled High Blood Pressure Medications? According to the FDA, the presence of NDMA, NDEA, NMBA and DMF are all “unexpected,” and believed to be associated with the manner in which the active substance is manufactured. Those taking valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, irbesartan, losartan and amlodipine may now be concerned regarding their risk of cancer. Not all medications containing these active ingredients are included in the high blood pressure medication recall. The FDA stated that the effects of taking the tainted medications (depending on the amount and length of time taken) could range from “limited to life threatening.”
Do You Have a Valsartan Lawsuit? If you or a loved one have been injured by tainted valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide, you may want to consider filing a valsartan lawsuit, a losartan lawsuit, an irbesartan lawsuit, an amlodipine lawsuit or a hydrochlorothiazide lawsuit. Speaking to a Valsartan lawyer can benefit your future. You may be eligible to receive damages after taking one of these recalled high blood pressure drugs. A highly experienced Losartan cancer attorney can thoroughly answer all your questions related to your blood pressure medication recall lawsuit. Contact a Losartan lawyer today for assistance with your blood pressure recall lawsuit.