FDA Announces Recall of Several Medicines Containing Valsartan
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded its recall of valsartan medications made by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China.
Valsartan is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. The recalled medications contain the chemical N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA has been declared a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency meaning it could increase your risk of developing cancer.
The FDA reports that the levels of NDMA in the recalled batches of the drug exceed acceptable levels that are acceptable for human consumption. Be aware: not all valsartan pills have been recalled. Only those batches of valsartan that are contaminated with NDMA are being recalled.
Patients who were prescribed valsartan from one of the batches that have been recalled should not stop taking the medication until their physician or pharmacist prescribes a different medication or treatment option.
Recalled Products:
Source: CBS News