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Several drugs used to treat high blood pressure and help prevent heart attacks and strokes have been recalled by Health Canada.
The medications contain the ingredient “valsartan” which was found in some products to have an impurity called N-Nitrosodimethylamine, a potential human carcinogen that could cause cancer with long-term exposure.
Health Canada says that if you find out the drug you are taking contains the ingredient to continue taking it for now and to contact your health care practitioner as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options.
Patients are also advised to speak with a pharmacist who can check if the specific drug someone is taking with the ingredient is being recalled.
The following valsartan products have been recalled:
A list of recalled valsartan product (Health Canada)
Some of these drugs are also used in patients who have had heart failure or a recent heart attack.
The recall was first issued on July 9th by the federal agency. The public can report adverse side effects to health products to Health Canada by calling 1-866-234-2345, or by reporting online, by mail or by fax.
Julian Kolsut
