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- Blood Pressure Medication Recalls: See Which Meds Were Recalled (hollywoodlife.com)
Nationwide Recall Issued for Blood Pressure Medication Over Cancer-Causing Chemical Concerns
More than half a million bottles of a widely used blood pressure medication are being pulled from shelves across the United States following the discovery of a potentially cancer-causing chemical. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a Class II recall affecting over 580,000 bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules, distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals and Amerisource Health Services.
The recall specifically targets Prazosin Hydrochloride in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg strengths, with various lot numbers and expiration dates ranging from April 2026 to September 2027. This medication is commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure and, in some cases, symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Urgent Advice for Patients: Do Not Stop Medication Abruptly
Health officials are strongly advising patients not to discontinue taking their medication without consulting a healthcare professional. Abruptly stopping blood pressure medication can lead to dangerous and uncontrolled blood pressure levels.
Instead, patients are urged to check the lot number on their prescription bottles against the FDA’s official recall list. If their medication matches the recalled batches, they should immediately contact their doctor or pharmacist for guidance on alternative treatments.
The Concern: Nitrosamine Impurities
The reason for the recall stems from the presence of nitrosamine impurities, specifically N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, found in the affected batches. Nitrosamines are a class of compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure. The FDA has stated that the levels of this impurity in the recalled medication were “above acceptable intake limits.”
While the Class II recall classification suggests that the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote, the FDA cautions that “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” could still occur.
Teva Pharmaceuticals has emphasized its commitment to patient safety and product quality, noting that numerous alternative treatments for hypertension remain available for patients. The company stated that the impurity can form during the manufacturing or storage process of the medication.
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- Blood Pressure Medication Recalls: See Which Meds Were Recalled (hollywoodlife.com)