Thousands and thousands of Americans take prescription medication to lower their blood pressure. Chances are good that you know someone-- or a few people-- who take something! If you do, shoot them a text or give them a call and let them know about this recall! The FDA is recalling drugs containing the active ingredient valsartan, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. The drug is being recalled because batches have been found to be tainted with a carcinogen.
N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was found in the recalled products. NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen -- a substance that could cause cancer -- based on results from laboratory tests.
More specific details and information have been posted to the FDA's website.
Patients need to contact their health care professional (the pharmacist who dispensed the medication or doctor who prescribed the medication) if their medicine is included in this recall to discuss their treatment options.