Plaintiff Elizabeth G., individually and as the surviving of Cecil G. has initiated a contaminated valsartan lawsuit, alleging that the contamination in the valsartan medication caused the decedent’s cancer.

Information about possible contamination of valsartan became popularly published over the course of the summer when an investigation of some of the manufacturing plants revealed that problems could have caused contamination of certain drugs containing valsartan.

As a result, certain medications have been subject to a valsartan recall, and those patients who may be taking these drugs have been advised to contact their physicians regarding next steps.

The contaminated valsartan lawsuit alleges that decedent Cecil G. took valsartan products that were manufactured, developed, marketed, promoted, and distributed by the defendant, Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Company.

The plaintiff in the contaminated valsartan lawsuit is the surviving spouse of Cecil G. and she alleges that the manufacturers of the drug are responsible for failing to disclose the risks of possible contamination, including the development of cancer.

Valsartan is a generic prescription medication that used most frequently to treat high blood pressure, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. It was initially marketed and sold under the brand name Diovan. According to the contaminated valsartan lawsuit, certain manufacturing defects led to some formulations of the drug becoming contaminated with NDMA.

In July 2018, the FDA shared news about a voluntary recall of several brands of medications containing valsartan including those that were marketed, manufactured, promoted, and supplied by the defendants. Specifics lots were affected with regard to this potentially adulterated valsartan. Prescription drugs containing valsartan have been recalled in at least 21 other countries.

The decedent in the contaminated valsartan lawsuit allegedly purchased and filled his prescriptions for adulterated valsartan at a Walgreens in Louisiana and consumed the medication on a daily basis. Cecil G. was allegedly diagnosed with kidney cancer around Nov. 17th, 2017, an issue that his surviving spouse alleges was directly caused by contaminated valsartan.

On May 11th, 2018, Elizabeth says, Cecil passed away due to malignant neoplasm of the kidney. The contaminated valsartan lawsuit says that the drug containing the carcinogenic impurities caused the decedent to ultimately sustain fatal injuries.

Although it is not yet known how many people have been negatively impacted by contaminated valsartan, lawsuits over alleged connections have been filed recently. The FDA’s analysis of the contaminated valsartan issue indicated that the increased risk of cancer was very low, a comprehensive evaluation has not yet been completed.

Some patients and loved ones, however, believe that patients taking drugs with valsartan inside have developed health problems like cancer as a direct result of their interaction with the drug.

While more research is expected to determine how many patients could have been affected by the contaminated lots, those patients currently taking valsartan should communicate with their doctor about risk profiles and how to proceed. It is not recommended to discontinue taking any medicine without a doctor’s oversight.

The Contaminated Valsartan Lawsuit is Case No. 6:18-cv-01497, in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division.