You may or may not have heard about the FDA’s ongoing VALSARTAN recall as it’s the largest ever class 1 prescription recall in the FDA’s history due to the generic blood pressure medication valsartan being contaminated with impurities.
What IS Valsartan and have you or anyone you know been effected?
As defined by the MAYO CLINIC, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) help relax your blood vessels, which lowers your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood. Angiotensin is a chemical in your body that affects your cardiovascular system in various ways, including narrowing your blood vessels. This narrowing can increase your blood pressure and force your heart to work harder. Angiotensin II receptor blockers block the action of angiotensin II, allowing blood vessels to widen (dilate).
Many Angiotensin II Receptor blockers are available in order to treat various health conditions. Some examples include:
Azilsartan (Edarbi)
Candesartan (Atacand)
Eprosartan
Irbesartan (Avapro)
Losartan (Cozaar)
Olmesartan (Benicar)
Telmisartan (Micardis)
Valsartan (Diovan)
There are many reasons for Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers to be used. Doctors prescribe these drugs to prevent, treat or improve symptoms in various conditions, such as: High blood pressure, Heart failure, Kidney failure in diabetes, and Chronic kidney diseases.
Now that you understand WHAT ARBs are, why are they being recalled, and how concerned should you be?
According to HEART.ORG, The FDA has recalled virtually all batches of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) containing generic valsartan due to the outsourcing of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing process to China and India to reduce the cost of manufacturing. . This includes some combination tablets which contain valsartan and amlodipine or valsartan, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide. These medications are being recalled due to the presence of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) or N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). NDMA and NDEA are industrial contaminants and both are on lists of chemicals suspected to cause cancer in people.
For more information and updates on the Valsartan Recall and Valsartan Litigations CLICK HERE.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed of cancer due to your prescription to Valsartan or another Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker, do not hesitate and contact McCallister Law Group, LLC today.
