A popular cardiovascular drug, valsartan, has been under review because of possible contamination at the Chinese factory where it is produced. European health officials are concerned that this contamination contains a carcinogen which could cause valsartan cancer.

Valsartan Cancer Link

In the United Kingdom recently, medications containing cardiovascular drug valsartan have been the subject of concern for health authorities. Pharmacies that sell drugs containing valsartan have been encouraged to remove these drugs from their shelves.

According to Law360, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the U.K. found that drugs containing valsartan may have been contaminated with a carcinogenic agent. Additionally, the FDA has announced a voluntary recall of valsartan because of the possibility of valsartan cancer.

The contamination was discovered and announced by a Chinese factory that manufactures valsartan. The MHRA says: “The impurity (N-nitrosodimethylamine), which may have carcinogenic potential, is a result of a change in the manufacturing process. This active substance is used in a number of medicines marketed in Europe.”

Valsartan is an antihypertension drug. It is used to treat high blood pressure as well as heart failure. Sometimes, valsartan is prescribed to patients after they have suffered a heart attack to reduce the risk of death.

Valsartan is made by Israeli-based Dexcel Pharma Ltd. and Accord Healthcare is one of a class of  angiotensin II receptor agonists. It helps blood to flow more freely in the body by reducing the constriction of blood vessels. It can be taken alone or in the form of valsartan HCTZ. Valsartan HCTZ is valsartan combined with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.

The MHRA says that they are working with other agencies including the European Medicines Agency and other European Union regulators to look into the problem further. The problem allegedly originated with Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. located in Linhai, China.

The MHRA says that patients should not discontinue use, but should speak with their doctors instead.

The agency followed up by saying, “EMA’s review will investigate the levels of NDMA in these valsartan medicines, its possible impact on patients who have been taking them and what measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate the impurity from future batches produced by the company. As a precaution, the review will also consider whether other valsartan medicines may be affected.”

In the U.S., the U.S Food and Drug Administration, FDA, has also alerted the public about this possible valsartan cancer link. The FDA is clear to note that not all valsartan meds are being recalled. The impurity, NDMA, has been found in some valsartan medications, and because it is listed as a possible carcinogen, the medication has been recalled.

Valsartan and Liver Damage

Valsartan cancer is not the only adverse side effect with which valsartan could be linked. Some patients experience elevated liver activity while taking valsartan, and in some cases, liver toxicity is noted. Report show that patients who stopped taking valsartan showed a reduction in liver toxicity.

Jaundice, enlargement of the liver, nausea, abdominal pain and pruritic erythematous skin change are all possible side effects of valsartan and point to the possibility of liver damage.

If you or someone you love has taken valsartan and you are concerned about valsartan liver damage or valsartan cancer, you may benefit from speaking to an experienced attorney.