Why Is the FDA Recalling Valsartan Products from Drug Stores?

Do you take medication to treat high blood pressure or heart failure? If so, then you need to know about the latest recall from the FDA. Some pharmaceuticals containing the active ingredient valsartan are being recalled due to impurities found by the FDA. That means if you are taking a medicine containing this ingredient, you need to call your doctor’s office immediately.

What Is the Impurity Causing the FDA to Recall Valsartan?

According to the FDA, U.S. pharmaceutical companies that used the ingredient valsartan from Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in Linhai, China may have produced contaminated drug products. N-nitrosodimethylamine, also known as NDMA, may be present in the lots being recalled by the FDA. This substance is known as a probable human carcinogen.

Since the recalled valsartan products are drugs that treat serious illnesses, the FDA is recommending that people continue to take their medication. However, these patients are advised to contact their doctors immediately so they can be evaluated for replacement medications. For further recall instructions, the FDA is directing patients to follow manufacturer recall instructions posted on the FDA’s website.

As of right now, valsartan produced by Major Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. as well as valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) produced by Solco Healthcare and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. are being recalled.

Recalled Medications:

• Valsartan—Major Pharmaceuticals
• Valsartan—Solco Healthcare
• Valsartan—Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
• Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)—Solco Healthcare
• Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)—Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

In response to this announcement from the FDA, the pharmaceutical attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson have started investigating related cases. If you suspect you are suffering from an illness that may be the result of NDMA contamination, contact our lawyers today. We have experience helping the victims of negligent drug manufacturers nationwide.