Additional Blood Pressure Medication Losartan Recalled Over Cancer Risks

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has again announced a third
blood pressure medication recall over concerns the drug Losartan may be
contaminated with impurity N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). NDEA may increase
cancer risks or cause health issues as the organic chemical is classified
as a probable human carcinogen. The International Agency for Research
on Cancer, reports NDEA is used to make liquid rocket fuel and is a byproduct
of fish processing as well as manufacturing certain pesticides.

As of November 8, 2018, drug manufacturer Sandoz Inc. started the voluntarily
recall of Losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablets after further
FDA testing.

Losartan pills affected by the recall include 100 milligram/25 milligram
tablets from the lot number JB8912 and are sometimes sold under the brand
name Hyzaar. The tainted medication was distributed after October 8th
but patients who are currently taking this medication should speak with
their prescribing doctor for further guidance before stopping use. If
stopped, it is believed the risk of going off of the medication could
be greater than the possible cancer risk.

The FDA has been busy recalling blood pressure medications like Losartan
for similar risks, including Irbesartan and
Valsartan. NDEA contamination is also a concern for Irbesartan users and N-Nitrosodimethylamine
(NDMA) is a known impurity in some batches of Valsartan. These medications
are widely-prescribed in the United States and around the world for the
treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. Studies have specifically
shown the contaminated medications may induce:

  • liver cancer
  • gastric cancer
  • colorectal cancer
  • kidney cancer
  • bladder cancer
  • pancreatic cancer

It is believed the contaminants could cause other adverse health effects,
such as long-term liver damage. Per the EPA, potential symptoms of overexposure
to these chemicals may include headache, fever, nausea, jaundice, vomiting,
abdominal cramps, enlarged liver, or dizziness. Overexposure can lead
to reduced function of the liver, kidney, and lungs, or damage to these
organs. Animal studies found that NDMA caused cancerous tumors of the
liver, respiratory tract, kidney, and blood vessels.

What To Do If Your Medication Was Recalled?

Contact your pharmacist or prescribing physician, if you have concerns
that your medication/s may have been part of the recall. We recommend
asking whether
any of your medications prescribed since 2012 could have been part of the
recall, as it is possible that recall notices may be sent only regarding
current prescriptions. Do not stop taking recalled medication without
first contacting your prescribing physician. Alternative medicines exist.
Be sure to keep any prescription bottles and recall notices. Contact your
primary care physician for appropriate testing if you are concerned that
recalled blood pressure and heart failure medications like Valsartan,
Irbesartan, or Losartan may have affected your health.

Have You Been Seriously Injured by a Defective or Dangerous Medicine?

Defective medication or health product cases are complex and often leave
consumers in a vulnerable place. Whether your medicine-related injuries
were caused by
defectively designed or manufactured drugs, by hidden side-effects, or by inadequate warnings by drug sales representatives
or medical professionals, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation
to help you. If you were taking any of the contaminated medications, and
have experienced liver damage, tumor, cancer or other alarming health
issues, contact our office for a free consultation.

Our experienced defective drug and device attorneys at Wagner Reese, LLP
can provide you with the legal support and advice you need so that you
can focus on your own health and healing. Simply give us a call today
at (888) 204-8440 to schedule a free consultation or speak with us by
submitting our online form and our attorneys will review your information regarding your
recalled medication concerns.

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