The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of several blood pressure medications that may contain an impurity known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer).
The FDA says its review is ongoing and has included investigating the levels of NDMA in the recalled products, assessing the possible effect on patients who have been taking them, and what measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate the impurity from future batches produced by the company.
“The FDA is committed to maintaining our gold standard for safety and efficacy. That includes our efforts to ensure the quality of drugs and the safe manner in which they’re manufactured,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. said in a press release.
Recalled Products
Valsartan: Major Pharmaceuticals
Valsartan: Solco Healthcare
Valsartan: Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Solco Healthcare
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
You can find more information about the recall here.