April 07, 2020 - NDEA designated as a Human Carcinogen - One of the impurities which have been found in the recalled high blood pressure medications is NDEA or Nitrosodiethylamine. The recalled medications include the generic versions of amlodipine, valsartan, losartan, irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. NDEA is an organic chemical which can be toxic to the liver, as well as other organs. In 2015, it was determined that high doses of NDEA caused severe injury to the liver and red blood cells, leading to liver damage and liver cancer.
NDEA is used to make liquid rocket fuel, lubricants and water softeners. NDEA has little odor or taste, and is a yellowish, oily liquid which is a byproduct of rubber tire manufacturing and other industrial processes. It is unknown at this point what the long-term risks of NDEA found in the recalled high blood pressure medications actually are, however, the FDA continues to investigate and examine the levels of NDEA found in the medications.
The EPA has classified NDEA, NDMA, NMDA and DMF as probable or possible human carcinogens, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer in human beings. These substances have been classified as confirmed animal carcinogens meaning they do cause cancer in animals. A 2018 study done in Denmark showed that NDMA and NDEA exposure can potentially cause pancreatic, rectal, colon, stomach and liver cancer.
Valsartan Side Effects and Dangers - Although there are many less serious side effects of valsartan, the more serious side effects include chest pain, swelling of the lips and eyes, weight loss, palpitations and shortness of breath. Valsartan can interact with cyclosporine, diuretics, and NSAIDS. The recalled valsartan cancer drug, which have been found to have NDEA and NDMA in them, have the potential to cause cancer and liver damage.
Losartan Side Effects and Dangers - Some common losartan side effects include muscle cramps, cold or flu-like symptoms, chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sleep issues, stomach pain, and pain in the back or legs. Like valsartan, losartan cancer has been alleged among the losartan drugs which were tainted by NDEA, NDMA, NMDA or DMF.
Irbesartan Side Effects and Dangers - Like losartan and valsartan, irbesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Some side effects from irbesartan include feeling light-headed, little or no urination, pain in the side or lower back, rapid weight gain, swelling, loss of appetite, confusion and vomiting. Irbesartan cancer can result from irbesartan blood pressure drugs containing NDEA and NDMA
Amlodipine Side Effects and Dangers - Amlodipine side effects can include leg or ankle swelling, extreme sleepiness, fatigue, nausea and stomach pains, face flushing, dizziness, heart palpitations, and irregular heart rate. Like losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan, some amlodipine drugs have been found to contain NDMA, NMDA, DMF, and NDEA. All of these impurities have been found to cause cancer in laboratory animals and have been deemed potential and probable carcinogens to humans as well.
Hydrochlorothiazide Side Effects and Dangers - The drug hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic which helps prevent the body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. Hydrochlorothiazide side effects include: Vision problems, a red, blistering, peeling skin rash, numbness or tingling, extreme thirst, dry mouth, drowsiness, fast or uneven heartbeat, muscle pain, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting.
Like losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, and amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide medications have been found to have NMDA, DMF, NDMA and NDEA in certain lots.
Getting the Help You Need After Taking one of the Recalled High Blood Pressure Medications - If you have taken any of the recalled high blood pressure drugs, you could potentially have a claim against the manufacturer. It could be extremely beneficial to your future to speak to a recalled high blood pressure medication attorney regarding a valsartan cancer lawsuit, a losartan cancer lawsuit, an irbesartan cancer lawsuit, an amlodipine cancer lawsuit or a hydrochlorothiazide cancer lawsuit. Your personal injury attorney can help to ensure your rights and your future are properly protected. For a complete list of recalled high blood pressure medications see our page: https://sullolaw.com/dangerous-drugs/blood-pressure-medication-recall/blood-pressure-medication-recall-list