Valsartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to the class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which work by relaxing blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.
In July 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that several valsartan-containing medications were being recalled due to the presence of an impurity known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause cancer in humans if exposed to high levels over a long period of time.
The recall affected numerous pharmaceutical companies and their products, leading to widespread concern among patients taking valsartan for their medical conditions. If you or a loved one has been impacted, it’s important to check your eligibility to file a Valsartan cancer lawsuit. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the recalled valsartan drugs and the reasons behind their recall.
List of Recalled Valsartan Drugs
The following is a list of the pharmaceutical companies and their valsartan-containing medications that have been recalled as of September 2021:
- A-S Medication Solutions LLC – Valsartan
- Actavis Group PTC EHF – Valsartan and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited – Valsartan, Amlodipine/Valsartan, and Losartan Potassium/Valsartan
- American Health Packaging – Valsartan and Valsartan/HCTZ
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC – Various combinations of Valsartan/Amlodipine/HCTZ and Valsartan tablets
- ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc. – Various combinations of Irbesartan/Valsartan and Irbesartan/Amlodipine/Valsartan
- Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc. – Valsartan, Amlodipine/Valsartan, and Valsartan/HCTZ
- AvKARE – Valsartan
- Bryant Ranch Prepack Inc. – Various combinations of Valsartan tablets
- Camber Pharmaceuticals Inc. – Losartan Potassium/Valsartan/HCTZ and Losartan Potassium/Telmisartan
- Cardinal Health – Valsartan
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. – Valsartan and Amlodipine/Valsartan
- GSMS Inc. – Valsartan
- Hetero Labs Ltd. – Valsartan and Amlodipine/Valsartan tablets
- Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals Inc. – Valsartan tablets
- Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Losartan Potassium/Valsartan and Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
- Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited – Various combinations of Losartan Potassium/ Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Amlodipine/Valsartan, and Valsartan/HCTZ
- Major Pharmaceuticals – Valsartan
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals – Valsartan and Valsartan/Amlodipine/HCTZ
- Northwind Pharmaceuticals – Losartan Potassium/Valsartan
- NuCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Amlodipine/Valsartan and Valsartan tablets
- Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Various combinations of Losartan Potassium/ Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Irbesartan/Valsartan, and Amlodipine/Benazepril
- Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. – Various combinations of Valsartan and Valsartan/Amlodipine/HCTZ
- Proficient Rx LP – Valsartan tablets
- RemedyRepack Inc. – Various combinations of Losartan Potassium/Valsartan and Losartan Potassium/HCTZ
- Sandoz Inc. – Valsartan and Valsartan/Amlodipine/HCTZ
- ScieGen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. – Various combinations of Valsartan and HCTZ
- Solco Healthcare LLC – Valsartan, Amlodipine/Valsartan, and Valsartan/HCTZ
- Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. – Various combinations of Irbesartan/Valsartan and Amlodipine/Valsartan
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited – Losartan Potassium/Valsartan and Losartan Potassium/HCTZ
- Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. – Valsartan tablets
- West-Ward Pharmaceuticals Corp. – Various combinations of Valsartan, Amlodipine/Valsartan, and Losartan Potassium/ Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
The NDMA Contamination Crisis
The recall of these valsartan drugs was prompted by the discovery of an impurity called nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This chemical compound is a byproduct of certain industrial processes and can also be found in some foods, water, and air pollution.
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and has been linked to various types of cancer, including liver, kidney, stomach, and colorectal cancer.
The FDA first discovered NDMA contamination in valsartan in July 2018 during routine testing. Subsequent investigations revealed that the contamination was caused by changes made in the manufacturing process of these drugs.
The implicated pharmaceutical companies were using a new method to produce valsartan, which resulted in the formation of NDMA. As a result, millions of people were exposed to potentially dangerous levels of this impurity, leading to widespread recalls and concerns about the safety of valsartan-containing medications.
Impact of Recalls on Patients and the Healthcare System
The recall of valsartan drugs has had a significant impact on patients who rely on them to manage their medical conditions.
The sudden withdrawal of these medications from the market has caused confusion and anxiety among patients, as they have been forced to switch to alternative medicines or go without treatment. This can be particularly concerning for those with chronic health conditions that require consistent medication to manage.
The healthcare system has also been affected by the valsartan recalls. Patients may experience delays in obtaining their prescriptions as pharmacies scramble to find available alternatives. There are also concerns about potential shortages of certain medications and the financial burden placed on patients who may need to pay for more expensive drugs.
Image by Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. https://Terms.Law from Pixabay
Filing a Valsartan Cancer Lawsuit
If you or a loved one has taken valsartan and subsequently developed cancer, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical companies responsible. These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred as a result of NDMA contamination in valsartan.
It is important to consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case and determine if you have grounds for legal action. They can also guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and help you navigate any potential settlements or trials that may arise.
While no amount of money can compensate for the harm caused by these contaminated drugs, seeking justice through legal action can hold those responsible accountable and provide some form of closure for affected individuals. Additionally, it may encourage pharmaceutical companies to take more responsibility for ensuring the safety and quality of their products.
