FDA issues recall for popular blood pressure medication

Washington D.C. — The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall for popular blood pressure medications because they contain a chemical known to cause cancer.

Officials say the presence of NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) in the popular drug, Valsartan, is na surprise and thought to be due to changes in the way the active substance was manufactured.

A Valsartan recall was announced weeks ago but did not include the United States and was only for the generic version.

Here is a list of the recalled drugs compiled by FDA officials:

  • Valsartan – Prinston – Pharmaceutical Inc.
  • Valsartan – AvKARE
  • Valsartan – A-S Medication Solutions LLC
  • Valsartan – Bryant Ranch Prepack Inc.
  • Valsartan – HJ Harkins Company
  • Valsartan – Major Pharmaceuticals
  • Valsartan – Solco Healthcare
  • Valsartan – Northwind Pharmaceuticals
  • Valsartan – Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Proficient Rx LP
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Remedy Repack
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Solco Healthcare
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Teva Pharmaceuticals Injustries Ltd.

The FDA has also compiled an updated list of medications not included in the recall:

  • Amlodipine and Valsartan – Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
  • Valsartan – Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
  • Byvalson (Nebivolol and Valsartan – Allergan Inc.
  • Valsartan – American Health Packaging
  • Valsartan – Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
  • Diovan and Valsartan  – Aphena Pharma Solutions
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Apotex Corp.
  • Amlodipine and Valsartan – Aurodindo Pharma Limited
  • Valsartan  – AcPAK
  • Valsartan – Cardinal Health
  • Diovan – Carilion Materials Management
  • Amlodipine and Valsartan – Gavis Pharmaceuticals, LLC
  • Valsartan  – Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  • Valsartan – Lucid Pharma
  • Amlodipine and Valsartan – Lupin
  • Valsartan – Macleods Pharmaceuticals USA
  • Amlodipine and Valsartan – Mylan
  • Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) – Northwind Pharmaceuticals
  • Diovan  – Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
  • Amlodipine and Valsartan – Novel Laboratories Inc.
  • Valsartan  – Ohm Laboratories Inc.