07/17/2018

Valsartan Recall

The FDA recently issued a voluntary recall on generic valsartan for certain manufacturers. This recall is due to an impurity NDMA which was found in the recalled products. NDMA is a substance that could cause cancer based on results from laboratory tests. Not all valsartan products were recalled; only those on the list below:

Medicine / Companies

Valsartan

• Major Pharmaceuticals
• Solco Healthcare
• Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

• Solco Healthcare
• Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.

Valsartan is used in medicines to treat certain medical conditions. Patients taking the recalled valsartan-containing medicines should continue taking their medicine until they have a replacement product. It is not recommended to stop this medication abruptly.

All patients should look at the drug name and company name on the label of their prescription bottle. If the information is not on the bottle, patients should contact the pharmacy that dispensed the medicine to find out the company they received.

To determine whether a patient is affected by the recall:

1. Patient should find out which company dispensed their valsartan, by reading their bottle or calling their pharmacy.
2. If one of the above manufacturers: Patients should contact their pharmacy to see if unaffected generic valsartan is available to refill.
3. If not available per pharmacy to refill, contact the provider to switch to a different medication in the same class.

References:

1. https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm613532.htm