Another carcinogenic ingredient found in popular medicines for blood pressure



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If you are taking medication for high blood pressure, you can check the label on your prescription.

The federal government said last week that it had discovered another suspected carcinogen in valsartan, the popular active ingredient already being used in several generic medicines to treat hypertension and heart failure.

N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), an alleged carcinogen found in tobacco smoke, has been found in three lots of valsartan-based drugs manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals, according to the FDA.

The FDA has also stated that it has found NDEA in several batches of the active ingredient of Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals Valsartan.

Valsartan was voluntarily recalled in July after the discovery of another potentially carcinogenic ingredient, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), the FDA reported.

NDMA is a human carcinogen present in liquid fuels, additives for lubricants and softeners and other processes.

Valsartan products are part of a voluntary recall of potentially carcinogenic ingredients.

The FDA said at that time that she thought the impurity was "related to changes in the way the active substance was made".

In its statement last week, the agency said it continued to test all valsartan products against the presence of NDEA and other impurities, and that if more contaminated products were found, it would work with companies

A popular medicine for the heart has been recalled about a possible carcinogenic ingredient

The agency added that it also assesses the type of risks that NDEA in products may present for patients.

"As we continue to investigate the cause of impurities in products containing valsartan, our scientists are testing these products to better understand these impurities and to ensure that they are not present in any of these products. other products, "said Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.

The FDA has stated that even if a valsartan-based product is recalled, patients should continue to take the drug until their doctor or pharmacist offers them alternative treatment or replacement.

Since all valsartan products do not contain NDMA or NDEA, pharmacists should be able to find a non-recalled valsartan drug. Doctors may also be able to prescribe a different medication that treats the same condition.

The FDA encourages patients and health professionals to report any adverse reactions to the FDA's MedWatch program.

You can find a complete list of products in reminder here. The product can be identified by checking the product name, the manufacturer's details and the lot or lot number on the bottle containing these products.

ConsumerSafety.org also has additional information about the recalled valsartan.

Spencer Kent can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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