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For the fourth time in just over two weeks, a recall alert has been issued for a popular antihypertensive drug that can cause cancer during long-term use. It's one of dozens of reminders since last July.
Vivimed recalls 19 batches of losartan potassium tablets due to the discovery of N-nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA). Vivimed said the impurity was above the acceptable exposure limit of the Food & Drug Administration. See the complete list of lots related to this recall by clicking on this link.
"Based on the available information, the risk of developing cancer in some patients after long-term use of the product containing high levels of impurity can not be ruled out," says the recall.
RELATED: Check if your medicine for hypertension is recalled for cancer risk
Vivimed said the drugs had been manufactured at its plant in India. The company says neither it nor the Heritage Pharmaceuticals distributor has received reports of adverse events related to the recall.
The FDA has indicated throughout these recalls that the risk of developing cancer by taking these recalled medications is extremely low, but the risk is still there.
"The FDA has calculated that if you take the highest dose of one of the affected drugs over a four-year period and you take the most contaminated medicine, the risk is an additional case on 8,000 people, "said Janet Woodcock, Director. FDA's Drug Evaluation and Research Center, in a video statement last month.
But, the FDA and the drug companies say you should continue taking the drugs until you talk to a doctor about alternatives. Sudden cessation of treatment may result in more immediate health risks, including stroke.
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