Blood Pressure Medication Recall: FDA Says Quinapril Voluntarily Recalled Over Cancer Risks

Blood pressure medication Quinapril was voluntarily recalled on Wednesday due to concerns over the medication increasing cancer risk.

Quinapril is produced by drug manufacturer Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. and sold in 20 mg and 40 mg tablets that may contain a nitrosamine level above the accepted daily intake level. While nitrosamine is commonly found in a variety of cured meats, vegetables and dairy products, it does increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them over long periods and over acceptable levels.

"Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines," the FDA recall stated. "These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time."

Lupin stopped production of Quinapril in September and has been working alongside distributors to organize the return of recalled lots. The recalled lots were 90-count bottles distributed from March 2021 to September 2022 with expiration dates ranging from December 2022 to March 2024.

The affected lot numbers can be checked at the FDA announcement.

Patients who have been taking the Quinapril tablets can continue taking the medication and are recommended to contact their medical team for an alternative treatment for their blood pressure.

There have been no reports of illnesses with Quinapril.

Two blood pressure medicines produced by Aurobindo Pharma USA were recalled in October over similar concerns with no illnesses reported.