Blood Pressure Medication Being Recalled For Potential Cancer Risk

Blood Pressure Medication Being Recalled For Potential Cancer Risk

Aurobindo Pharma USA has recalled two lots of its popular blood pressure medications, quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide, that are commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure. These medications are being recalled over concerns of contamination with the compound nitrosamine. Scientific studies have linked exposure to high levels of nitrosamine with an elevated risk of certain cancers, including liver and kidney cancer.

According to the FDA advisory, the medication are “pink colored, scored, round shaped, biconvex, film-coated tablets, debossed with ‘D’ on the scored side and ‘19’ on the other side.” To date, the FDA reports no adverse events linked to nitrosamine contamination of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide. However, the concern nevertheless remains.

Nitrosamine contamination remains an ongoing problem with respect to a number of other widely-used medications including diabetes drugs like Metformin and popular reflux drugs like Zantac. We’re seeing more and more recalls linked to the growing concern over the nitrosamine content of these medications. Therefore, it is probably a good idea to explore any medications you might be taking on a regular basis for the presence of nitrosamine. If you discover that you’ve been prescribed such a medication, talk to your doctor about whether to continue the medication or explore an alternative treatment. Consumers with questions about this latest recall on blood pressure medications can call 1-866-850-2876 or email pvg@aurobindousa.com for more information.