Nov. 6, 2018 Update: Aurobindo Pharma Limited announced a voluntary recall of certain lots of the irbesartan, distributed by Sciegen Pharmaceuticals INC, USA, due to potential contamination with the carcinogen, N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). See recalled lots below.
Valsartan is a drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. The drug is known to be highly effective at treating these conditions. However, a manufacturing issue has left many patients concerned. On July 13, 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled various batches of the drug due to contamination issues. The drug is known to contain trace amounts of NDMA, which is a chemical that can cause cancer. It is believed that the NDMA contamination occurred when changes were made to the manufacturing process.
A follow-up recall on August 23, 2018 listed all the lots that could be affected by this contamination. The United States was the 23rd country to recall Valsartan. Currently, the FDA is assessing the possible effects on patients and looking for ways to ensure that NDMA is not found in future batches of Valsartan.
If you developed cancer or lost a loved one due to Valsartan, you may be able to recover compensation for damages. Contact Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers now for a free consultation by calling (800) 718-4658. We are handling these cases nationwide.
Does Valsartan Cause Cancer?
Valsartan by itself does not cause cancer. However, it was discovered that worldwide, 2,300 batches of the drug were contaminated with trace amounts of NDMA; a carcinogen that has the potential to cause certain types of cancer.
The Valsartan Lawsuit Attorneys of Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers are currently investigating cases where patients developed any of the below types of cancer after using Valsartan.
Cancer Types That We are Currently Investigating
- Liver
- Colorectal
- Stomach/Gastric
- Kidney
- Bladder
- Pancreatic
We are also investigating claims where the patient suffered liver failure following Valsartan use.
What is NDMA?
NDMA is the chemical compound N-nitrosodimethylamine, which is a known carcinogen. It is found naturally in drinking water and certain foods that we eat. It is also found in air pollution and industrial processes. It was once used to make rocket fuel, but now is used only for research purposes.
NDMA exposure can cause headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting. It can also affect normal function of organs such as lungs, liver and kidneys.
How Do I Know If My Valsartan Medicine Has Been Recalled?
Valsartan medication from the following manufacturers has been recalled:
- Remedy Repack, Inc. (Torrent)
- Teva Pharmaceuticals labeled as Major Pharmaceuticals
- Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. labeled as Solco Healthcare LLC
- Teva Pharmaceuticals USA labeled as Actavis
- AvKARE (Teva/Actavis)
- Remedy Repack Inc. (Prinston/Solco)
- A-S Medication Solutions LLC (Teva/Actavis & Prinston/Solco)
- Bryant Ranch Prepack Inc. (Teva/Actavis)
- H J Harkins Company Inc. dba Pharma Pac (Prinston/Solco)
- Northwind Pharmaceuticals (Teva/Actavis)
- Hetero Labs, Inc. labeled as Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc
- NuCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Prinston/Solco)
- Remedy Repack, Inc. (Hetero/Camber)
- AvKARE (Hetero/Camber)
- Preferred Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Hetero/Camber)
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited
If your drug is on this dangerous drug list, do not stop taking Valsartan until you consult with your prescribing doctor. Abrupt cessation of the drug can lead to a heart attack, stroke or heart failure. Consult with your doctor, who can advise you of the next steps. You may be able to switch to a different Valsartan product which has not been associated with NDMA contamination.
If you believe that you or a loved one may have a Valsartan side effects claim, please call us at 1-800-718-4658. We will provide a 100% free and confidential case evaluation. You will pay no costs out of pocket to make a Valsartan side effect claim. Our attorneys work solely on a contingency fee basis, which means we only collect a fee for our services if a recovery is made.