Have you been diagnosed with cancer after taking Valsartan? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall on certain drugs containing valsartan, a medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. The recall was initiated after investigators determined that valsartan-containing products posed an unnecessary risk to patients, as it has been linked to an increased occurrence of cancer. The Lawrence Firm is currently investigating potential claims involving this dangerous drug.
What is Being Recalled?
On July 13, 2018, the FDA announced a recall of certain batches of valsartan tablets because of an impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The valsartan-containing products that were initially recalled were manufactured in China, and the level of the impurity found in the recalled products was unexpected and believed to be caused by how it was manufactured. However, the FDA has had to continually add to the list of valsartan products after conducting finding that valsartan-containing products from other manufacturers also contained high levels of NDMA. The recall list currently includes valsartan-containing products from twelve different pharmaceutical companies from around the world, including manufacturers in China and India. The U.S. recall comes after 22 other countries had already issued similar recalls.
It’s important to note that not all valsartan-containing products are being recalled. The FDA has advised that consumers continue taking their current medicine, whether subject to the recall or not, until they have talked to their doctor or pharmacist.
Symptoms Associated With Valsartan
Animal studies have shown that NDMA increases the risk of cancer, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers NDMA a probable human carcinogen-this means that the chemical can increase the risk of cancer in humans. Although NDMA is found in some water supplies and in some foods, the amount found in the recalled batches of valsartan exceeded acceptable levels. However, since there have not been human studies on the effects of NDMA, the long-term risks remain somewhat unknown at this time.
If you or a loved one took valsartan and have been diagnosed with cancer as a result, you may be able to receive compensation. Call an Ohio or Northern Kentucky medical malpractice attorney at TLF to learn more.