FDA issues recall of high blood pressure drugs linked to cancer - KATV
One in three Americans lives with hypertension, although many aren't aware they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (KATV Photo)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) online recall list of drugs designed to treat hypertension continues to grow, causing concern for pharmacists and patients alike.
In July 2018, the FDA began recalling valsartan products manufactured in China because it contained a cancer-causing substance.
Over the past several months, the federal government has recalled certain makes of valsartan, losartan and irbesartan, all of which are drugs used in treating high blood pressure.
Other manufacturers have voluntarily recalled medicines that contain the three drugs in question.
Last week, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited called back on losartan potassium tablets due to trace amounts of a substance linked to causing cancer.
Pharmacies across the country have scrambled to ensure patients are reeving alternative medications.
"It's been frustrating for patients, it's been frustrating for us in the pharmacy to see a new one it seems every other day a new manufacturer is having the same issue," said Anne Pace, co-owner of Kavanaugh Pharmacy in Little Rock. "We want to take care of our patients the best as we can and we certainly don't want to giving them pills that have the toxic substance in them."
In between administering shingles vaccines and sorting through bottles of prescription pills, Pace is taking calls from concerned patients in regard to the string of recalls.
"Call your pharmacy, check with them to see if it's one of the medications that has been recalled. Certainly don't stop taking the medication abruptly because that can do more harm," Pace said.
The FDA has noted that valsartan is experiencing a shortage, although it's not necessarily the case in Arkansas.
“Although some pharmacies may temporarily have a lower inventory, most Arkansas pharmacies have yet to experience a critical shortage of Valsartan," said said John Vinson, chief operating officer of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association in an email. "Other options are available on the market and if available levels become drastically lower, your local pharmacist - in conjunction with your doctor - can assist you in deciding on an alternative medication therapy. Maintaining a relationship with your pharmacist is an important part of keeping your healthcare plan uninterrupted."
Health experts say not every version of valsartan, losartan or irbesartan is on the list to recall, although some drug companies are withholding distribution out of caution.
Click here for a full list of recalls provided by the FDA.
http://bit.ly/2WumcoD
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