The FDA has recalled all lots of amlodipine/valsartan combination tablets and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets in the United States. The manufacturer found more n-nitroso-diethylamine (NDEA) in the medication. NDEA is a probable human carcinogen. This is the fourth recall stemming from the discovery of the cancer-causing agent starting in May.
About Valsartan
Manufactured by Major Pharamascetucials, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and other companies, valsartan is a cardiovascular drug to treat high blood pressure or hypertension. The FDA approved the medication in adults and children aged 6 and up. The drug can also treat adults for heart failure along with reducing the risk of death in those who recently had a heart attack. It is available as a stand-alone medication or as valsartan HCTZ, which combines valsartan with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Common medications containing the valsartan are Diovan, Diovan HCT, Exforge, Exforge HCT or Entresto.
Newest Amlodipine/Valsartan Recall
As part of the amlodipine/valsartan recall, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is notifying its distributors and customers by certified mail. The FDA warns to stop selling the recalled product since NDEA could cause cancer in humans. This chemical is typically found in very small amounts in certain foods, drinking water, air pollution, and certain industrial processes. However, researchers discovered the chemical in large amounts in these high blood pressure medications.
NDEA is so dangerous that researchers cannot even test the chemical on humans. However, in animal studies, they found multiple cancers developed. This is because when the body eats NDEA, it is immediately absorbed into the bloodstream before being processed by the stomach, colon, or bladder.
Therefore, humans ingesting contaminated valsartan could develop:
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Bladder cancer
Many victims also report liver injuries. Whereas cancer normally takes a year of use to develop, liver injuries can happen within 30 days of using contaminated valsartan.
Seek Justice
Many people after taking valsartan medications like Diovan, Diovan HCT, Exforge, Exforge HCT and Entresto are horrified to learn that their medication could have caused their liver cancer. Therefore, it is important to seek justice. These potentially cancer-causing drugs have been on the market for over 5 years. This is unacceptable. You should hold these manufacturers accountable.
We want to help send a message that this is not acceptable. If a dangerous product harmed you, we will be your advocate. Additionally, we have the experience necessary to successfully litigate these cases.
Contact the Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free consultation to learn more about seeking justice. Compensation may be available for any medical expenses associated with this ordeal, as well as for your physical and emotional suffering. There is no obligation.