Valsartan / Irbesartan / Losartan / ARBs Contaminated with Cancer-causing Chemical What you need to know:

On July 13, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of Valsartan after some was discovered to contain N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)- a known carcinogen more commonly used to make rocket fuel and pesticides. Additionally, recent testing has shown another impurity in Valsartan products: N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) according to an updated FDA release on August 23, 2018. Both NDMA and NDEA have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. The FDA has since expanded tests to other Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), also referred to generally as sartans.  This family of drugs is used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions. At the end of October 2018, the FDA expanded the recall of NDEA-contaminated drugs to include Irbesartan.  In November, Losartan with lot number JB8912 was recalled due to suspected NDEA contamination.  Tests are ongoing and further recalls may be issued. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? A Chinese manufacturer, Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, is reported to be one source of the NDMA contaminant in Valsartan.  Other manufacturers may be involved in further recalls. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO:1) KEEP TAKING YOUR PRESCRIPTION until you talk with your doctor. CAUTION: The FDA has issued a warning to consumers: you should continue taking your current medicine until your doctor or pharmacist gives you a replacement or a different treatment option. Untreated hypertension (high blood pressure) leads to an increase in the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Untreated heart failure increases the risk of hospitalization and death. 2) SAVE YOUR PRESCRIPTION BOTTLE /PRINTOUT. This can contain vital information to document whether the batch you have taken may be contaminated. Check the following links to see if your drug is listed as one of those recently recalled. Valsartan Recall List Irbesartan Recall List