A class action investigation has been launched against manufacturers of generic valsartan medication, after a manufactuer announced that some batches of the drug may be contaminated with a carcinogen.

The valsartan medication is used to treat high blood pressure and helps prevent heart failure, and is available in both generic and brand name products. The FDA approved this medication for adult and pediatric treatment use in patients over six years old, making it a treatment option for a wide range of patients.

Valsartan is apart of the angiotensin II receptor agonist medication group, which work by reducing the restriction of blood vessels. This increases and eases the circulation process, and reduces the risk of heart failure.

However, a number of generic valsartan medication products have been reportedly contaminated with a substance that can cause cancer in patients. In fact, three companies reportedly recalled generic valsartan medication, after it was discovered there was a contaminant that could cause cancer development.

Overview of Valsartan Medication Recall

The companies who voluntarily recalled these blood pressure medications included Major Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare, and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., with the FDA stating that the contaminant significantly increased the risk of cancer. The FDA also reportedly asked Solco and Teva to recall valsartan products combined with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

The contaminated valsartan medication products contained N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) — a potential carcinogen. This announcement came after the European Medicines Agency stated it was reviewing valsartan medication products supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in China.

This company reportedly supplied three United States pharmaceutical companies with allegedly contaminated valsartan medication products, Time reported.

“We have carefully assessed the valsartan-containing medications sold in the United States, and we’ve found that the valsartan sold by these specific companies does not meet our safety standards. [T]his is why we’ve asked these companies to take immediate action to protect patients.” said director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The pharmaceutical companies that reportedly received the contaminated valsartan medication products, also provided instructions for patients who may have taken these drugs. The FDA also advised affected patients to talk to their pharmacists and doctors to discuss different next step options like cancer screening.

The FDA is currently investigating potential effects of the contaminated valsartan medication products may be having on patients who have already consumed them. The FDA also says that patients currently taking these products should continue to do so until their doctor finds an alternative treatment.

It is important to note that while the contamination problem was recently discovered, patients taking these valsartan medication products may have been exposing themselves to increased risk of cancer for years.

This class action investigation can help patients who may have developed cancer as a result of taking these contaminated valsartan products. These patients may be able to file compensation for medical damages.