Some valsartan products recalled due to possible cancer-causing impurity

(RxWiki News) If you take valsartan or a product containing valsartan, you may have a recalled and potentially dangerous medication in your medicine cabinet, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned.

The FDA is notifying patients about a voluntary recall of five valsartan-containing products from three different drug companies. Valsartan is a common medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

This recall is due to an impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in some products that contain valsartan. Based on results from laboratory tests, NDMA is classified as a substance that could cause cancer.

Not all valsartan-containing products are being recalled. The drug companies and products included in this recall are:

• Valsartan made by Teva Pharmaceuticals labeled as Major Pharmaceuticals; A-S Medication Solutions LLC, Teva Pharmaceuticals labeled as Actavis; Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. labeled as Solco Healthcare LLC; Bryant Ranch Prepack Inc.; H J Harkins Company; Northwind Pharmaceuticals
• Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) made by AvKARE, Remedy Repack, A-S Medication Solutions LLC, Teva Pharmaceuticals labeled as Actavis and Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. labeled as Solco Healthcare LLC; Proficient Rx LP; Northwind Pharmaceuticals

To keep yourself safe during this medication recall, the FDA recommended the following steps:

• Look for the drug name and the company that made the medication on your medication bottle. If you cannot find this information, contact the pharmacy that filled your prescription.
• Continue taking your medication until you have a replacement. Valsartan treats high blood pressure and heart failure, which are both serious medical conditions. Stopping the medication could be dangerous.
• If your medication was recalled, follow the exact recall instructions for the specific company, which can be found on the FDA’s website. In addition, contact the pharmacy that dispensed your medication to discuss next steps, including switching to a product that has not been recalled.

The FDA said it will continue to investigate this problem and provide more information as it becomes available.