Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Company is facing a putative class action valsartan cancer lawsuit, alleging their stock of contaminated medication drastically increased the risk of cancer for patients and made the blood pressure medication worthless.

This putative class action valsartan cancer lawsuit was recently filed by a man from Missouri, alleging he had unknowingly been ingesting contaminated medication and did not receive notice of it until the recent recall.

Plaintiff James J. filed this class action valsartan cancer lawsuit soon after the FDA announced that three generic valsartan medication manufacturers voluntarily recalled their stocks of this blood pressure medication, after discovering they could have been contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

The putative class action valsartan cancer lawsuit states that James had used the medication according to prescription instructions, but had to stop taking it after learning of the potential NDMA contamination.

This forced James to search for a new blood pressure medication, which ultimately caused him to sustain financial damages that would not have occurred without the NDMA contamination, he claims.

James alleges the NDMA contamination made the valsartan medications unsuitable for their intended purpose, which not only wasted proposed Class Members’ money but may have caused their health to worsen.

Overview of Valsartan NDMA Contamination

These contaminated medication stocks were reportedly supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Company, with the company stating the valsartan had become contaminated at some point during the manufacturing process.

The FDA has asked pharmacists to take affected medications out of their inventories and return them to manufacturers. In addition, patients are advised to see if their valsartan medication is manufactured by one of the generic drug companies impacted by the recall and to talk to their doctor immediately about starting an alternative treatment.

It is important for patients to seek professional medical instruction when ending a prescription to avoid harmful side effects to their health. The generic drug companies and products that have been impacted by the NDMA contamination include, but are not limited to:

• Recalled Products Medicine Company Valsartan
• Major Pharmaceuticals Valsartan
• Solco Healthcare Valsartan
• Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)
• Solco Healthcare Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

It is important to note that the NDMA contamination does not affect all valsartan medications, but patients should talk to their doctor if they are still concerned. Even though this recall helps prevent patients from ingesting a potentially dangerous product, it does not help patients who have already been exposed.

Previously, NDMA was used for products like liquid rocket fuel and has been observed in different studies involving rodents, which had reportedly developed liver, kidney, and respiratory problems. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies NDMA as a toxic substance that can have carcinogenic effects on patients.

According to the United Kingdom’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the NDMA contamination may stem back to 2012 when it was found that the manufacturing process in Zhejiang Huahai had changed for valsartan.

The FDA is currently investigating the NDMA contamination and is working with a number of different manufacturers to minimize the risks. James and other class members are seeking damages for negligence and financial compensation in the valsartan cancer lawsuit, along with any other relevant damages.

This Valsartan Cancer Lawsuit is Case No. 4:18-cv-01525-RLW, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division.