Several drugs containing valsartan being recalled due to contamination with a potential carcinogen
Report a Concern
Starting date:July 9, 2018
Type of communication:Advisory
Subcategory:Drugs
Source of recall:Health
CanadaIssue:New safety information
Audience:General Public
Identification number:RA-67202
Several drugs containing the ingredient valsartan are being recalled by their manufacturers. An impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), was found in the valsartan used in these products. The valsartan was supplied by Zhejiang HuahaiPharmaceuticals. NDMA is a potential human carcinogen, which means that it could cause cancer with long-term exposure. Five companies have affected products, which are being recalled (identified in table below).
Drugs containing valsartan are used to treat patients with high blood pressure to help prevent heart attacks and stroke. These drugs are also used in patients who have had heart failure or a recent heart attack.