PSA: Widely prescribed blood pressure medication Valsartan recalled; may contain carcinogen

[Squinch]

Crap.

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/19/health/valsartan-recall-explainer/index.html

That impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA, is classified as a probable human carcinogen, based on results from lab tests.

The medicines included in the voluntary recall are valsartan from Major Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare and Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, as well as valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide from Solco and Teva.

Valsartan is off patent and is used as a component of other generic medicines, but not all medicines containing the ingredient are involved in the recall.

The US Food and Drug Administration noted in a news release that "the presence of NDMA was unexpected" and thought to be related to changes in the way the active substance was manufactured.

[still_one]

1. People should not just stop taking this drug, especially if it is being given for heart failure.

They need to see their physician ASAP to get a replacement ARB or ACE inhibitor

[Squinch]

2. How bad is the cancer risk, do you know? No one is saying.

[still_one]

3. Not I don't, which is why I said they need to see their physician ASAP for a replacement, but

depending what they are taking it for, just stopping it could have severe consequences

They will need to evaluate how much risk they pose to themselves if they stop the drug without a replacement

[Squinch]

4. My doc has samples she can give me tomorrow till the new scrip comes from my scrip

service in a few days. I am guessing most doctors can do this.

[still_one]

5. There are plenty of alternatives out there. I think for most it will be ok. You can go to the

FDA site or google recall Valsartan, and you should be able to get more details and recommendations

[Squinch]

6. Freaked me out a bit when I heard it.

[still_one]

7. Don't freak out Squinch. You are doing what needs to be done