The U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of valsartan-containing drugs in July 2018. Since then, the valsartan drug recall has continued to expand and include even more medications containing the drug.

The expanded list includes valsartan drugs that the federal agency suspects have been tainted with the chemical NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). Reported side effects of NDMA-contaminated drugs include an increased risk of cancer. Indeed, the FDA considers NDMA to be a probable carcinogen.

If you or someone you love has suffered from side effects caused by NDMA contamination after using a valsartan medication included in the valsartan drug recall, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Background of Valsartan

Valsartan blood pressure medication (the generic equivalent to the brand drug Diovan) is manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China.

Valsartan is part of a class of hypertension drugs known as angiotensin II receptor agonists. Valsartan is distributed by a number of manufacturers, including Major Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and others. Valsartan was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) as a treatment for high blood pressure.

It’s been approved for use in children ages six and up. In adults, it has been approved to treat heart failure, as well as to reduce the risk of death for patients during recovery from a heart attack.

The FDA Valsartan Drug Recall

Unfortunately, valsartan blood pressure medications have been linked with some serious risks. Valsartan has been linked with NDMA contamination—an impurity that is considered a “probable human carcinogen,” or substance capable of causing cancer. Reports of serious side effects eventually led to a valsartan drug recall.

The valsartan drug recall was announced in July 2018, when the agency informed the public that it had asked manufacturers of generic valsartan to issue a voluntary recall for the medication, taking it off the U.S. market. This is not the first valsartan drug recall of its kind to be issued. In fact, valsartan drugs have also been recalled in 22 other countries.

According to the valsartan drug recall, “This recall is due to an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which 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. The presence of NDMA was unexpected and is thought to be related to changes in the way the active substance was manufactured.”

The FDA said that it is working with drug manufacturers “to ensure future valsartan active pharmaceutical ingredients are not at risk.”

A representative for the American Heart Association also noted that patients should not stop taking their valsartan medications without first consulting a doctor. “You don’t want to jump to any conclusions on your own about this medication, or any medication for that matter,” said the AHA’s Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, speaking to CNN.

Filing a Valsartan Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from cancer or liver damage after taking valsartan, this may be caused by the NDMA impurity, and you may be able to pursue litigation.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these complications, but it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages. A pharmaceutical products attorney can help you recover compensation.