Valsartan, a popular hypertension drug, may now come with a possible risk of developing cancer.

A recent valsartan cancer scare has patients and the medical community rethinking whether or not taking valsartan for cardiovascular problems is the best option.

Valsartan Cancer Scare

Recently, it was discovered that a manufacturing facility may have tainted some lots of valsartan with a carcinogenic substance resulting in a valsartan cancer scare.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has again expanded the list of medications under recall because of a chemical impurity that could put patients at risk of getting cancer.”

According to the AJC, the FDA announced that Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited has voluntarily recalled 14 lots of valsartan because trace amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were found in an active ingredient of the drug.

“Authorities last month recalled some drugs containing valsartan, a medication used to treat heart failure and blood pressure that’s often a component of generic medicines, because they contained NDMA,” the AJC reports.

They go on to report that NDMA has been seen to increase the risk of cancer in laboratory animals. Even though Torrent has not had any reports of illnesses, it was thought wise to recall the valsartan lots anyway.

The AJC reports that 22 other countries have recalled valsartan and that “the current recall is centered around valsartan manufactured in Linhai, China.” The European Medicine Agency has made patients aware of the possible valsartan cancer scare and health officials in the U.K. have also pulled some valsartan from the shelves.

Allegedly, the valsartan cancer scare occurred because impurities that were discovered were a result of changes in the way the drug was manufactured. The FDA is trying to ensure that contamination like that that occurred with the valsartan cancer scare will not happen again.

It is important to note that not all valsartan has been considered tainted. This voluntary valsartan recall only applies to both valsartan and valsartan hydrochlorothiazide (valsartan HCTZ). These lots were produced or distributed by three companies: Major Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare, and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries.

What is Valsartan?

Valsartan is a hypertension drug that can be used to treat high blood pressure or hypertension in children and adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved valsartan for adults in the reduction of death in patients who have had a heart attach or use in adults to treat heart failure.

It is part of a drug family known as angiotensin II receptor agonists and works by reducing the constriction of blood vessels which allows blood to flow freely through blood vessels.

In addition to the valsartan cancer scare because of manufacturer contamination, valsartan also may induce other side effects.

Other serious side effects of valsartan may include liver damage. Patients with elevated liver chemistries have already had to cease taking valsartan in order to protect their livers. These patients showed a decrease in toxicity of the liver after they stopped taking valsartan.

If you have taken valsartan and are worried about the possibility of cancer or about liver damage, speaking with an experienced attorney can help.