Valsartan and several similar blood pressure and congestive heart failure drugs have been part of a massive recall since July of 2018. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has worked with the drug makers to recall these medications because they were found to contain a probable human carcinogen, NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). Lab studies have shown that exposure to NDMA can cause cancerous tumors on the stomach, liver, kidney and respiratory tract and non-cancerous liver damage.
Valsartan is an active ingredient in many generic blood pressure/heart failure drugs. The presence of NDMA was first discovered in a Chinese manufacturer’s version of generic Valsartan. This manufacturer supplies Valsartan to Solco Healthcare, Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd, and Major Pharmaceutical. Separate recalls have also been issued for losartan and irbesartan, which are also drugs used to lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of congestive heart failure.
The presence of NDMA is thought to be a result of a contaminant in the manufacturing process, which is why not all Valsartan drugs have been found to contain NDMA. It may also be part of a manufacturer’s or supplier’s effort to save money by using cheap components/ingredients. Patients should consult their physician immediately before discontinuing Valsartan medications.
You can find a complete list of the drug recalls on the FDA website:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-recalls
It appears that many Valsartan drugs may have been contaminated by carcinogenic substances for years. If pharmaceutical companies knew of these impurities or failed to adhere to safety standards in the manufacturing process, they can be held liable. If you or a family member has taken Valsartan, Losartan or Irbesartan and have been diagnosed with cancer, you will want to contact an attorney.
Our lead attorney, Brett Oppenheimer, has experience pursuing claims against powerful pharmaceutical companies. To have a member of our team evaluate your potential case and help you to decide your best course of action, call (502) 242-8877 or fill out the contact form on this website. All consultations are free until your case is won!