FDA Expands Recall of Valsartan Products
As we noted on our blog in late July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall of the drug valsartan, a pharmaceutical used by people who suffer from high blood pressure and cardiovascular health issues. It’s a common component in angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Since that time, the FDA has expanded the recall, noting potential dangers from valsartan drugs from additional companies.
Our team of Chicago, IL drug injury lawyers would like to go over the dangers of valsartan and provide resources for people to determine if they have been affected by this dangerous pharmaceutical. We’ll then note several steps you should take if you are affected by the valsartan recall.
The Initial Valsartan Recall
In May of this year, the European Medicines Agency discovered an impurity in select valsartan products called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). The NDMA could be traced to the Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals manufacturing company in China.
The first three companies named in the valsartan recall were:
- Major Pharmaceuticals
- Solco Healthcare
- Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
The Potential Dangers of Valsartan
NDMA is a probable human carcinogen that has been linked to different types of health problems, including liver damage and certain types of cancer. People taking valsartan should watch out for the following adverse side effects and drug complications:
- Abdominal pain
- Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
- Jaundice
- Nausea
The FDA’s Expansion of the Recall
On August 8th, the FDA released an updated list of companies subject to the valsartan recall. Keep in mind that only certain valsartan products from select companies have been recalled, not the drug component as a whole.
- You can find out which valsartan products have been recalled by the FDA by checking this list.
- You can find out which valsartan products have NOT been recalled by the FDA by checking this list.
The above lists include company names, product names, expiration dates, and lot numbers for patients and consumers to be aware of. If you currently have any valsartan products that are subject to the FDA recall, follow these FDA instructions.
How to Determine If Your Valsartan Product Has Been Recalled
Company information and product information can be found on your prescription as well as the bottle or packaging of your valsartan drug. Cross check this information with the FDA lists we have linked to above just to be sure.
If you have trouble locating this company and product information, be sure to contact the pharmacy that dispensed these drugs to you. They will be able to look up the information you need.
Consult Your Physician About Your Health
Valsartan drugs are essential for many patients with heart health issues. If you are taking a tainted valsartan drug, it’s important that you speak with your prescribing physician as soon as possible. You may be provided a new prescription for a non-recalled valsartan drug, and provided with additional instructions to address any issues that you may have faced.
Contact the Lawyers of Rubin, Machado & Rosenblum
If you or someone you care about has been harmed because of using valsartan, we encourage you to contact an experienced injury lawyer. Our law firm can go over the details of your case and help you receive the representation you need.
