Blood Pressure Medication Recall 2019: 32 Lots Recalled For Cancer-Causing Impurity

Following several recalls for blood pressure medication over the last few months because of a cancer-causing impurity, Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited has issued a recall for 32 lots of Losartan Potassium USP tablets and Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets for an impurity that could cause cancer.

The recalled blood pressure medication has trace amounts of an unexpected impurity, N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA), above the limits allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NMBA is a known carcinogen that could lead to cancer.

Both Losartan Potassium and Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets are used to treat hypertension and hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy.

The recalled blood pressure medication is packaged in bottles and can be identified by checking the product name, manufacturer details, and batch or lot number. A full list of recalled medications can be viewed here. Labels of the recalled blood pressure medication can be viewed here.

Patients that have been prescribed the recalled blood pressure medication should continue to take the medication and contact their pharmacist, physician, or medical provider for an alternative treatment. The risk of stopping the recalled medication without alternative treatment is greater than continuing to take the medication, the company said.

The company has not received any reports of adverse effects due to the recall. Patients that have issues from the recalled medication should contact their healthcare provider.

Medical questions about the recall or to report adverse effects from the recalled medication can be directed to MacLeods Pharmaceuticals Limited at 1-855-926-3384 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

General questions about the return of the product can be directed to Qualanex at 1-888-280-2046, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST or by emailing recall@qualanex.