Massive Recall of Blood Pressure Drug Over Cancer-Causing Chemical
A major recall has been announced for a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication, prazosin hydrochloride, after the discovery of potentially cancer-causing impurities in certain batches. The voluntary recall, issued by Teva Pharmaceuticals earlier this month, affects nearly 581,000 bottles of the drug distributed across the United States.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that the medication contained elevated levels of an impurity known as N-nitroso prazosin , a compound classified as a potential carcinogen. Tests showed the impurity exceeded the agency’s acceptable safety limits, prompting an immediate recall.
Prazosin hydrochloride is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain prostate conditions , and in some cases, it’s prescribed off-label to help patients manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. While the recall is being treated seriously, the FDA classified it as a Class II recall , meaning that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, and the chance of serious harm is considered remote.
The affected products include three dosage strengths:
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1 mg capsules: 181,659 bottles from lots expiring in October 2025.
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2 mg capsules: 291,512 bottles with expiration dates ranging from October 2025 through July 2026.
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5 mg capsules: 107,673 bottles with expiration dates extending into 2026.
Teva Pharmaceuticals has already notified customers and distributors by letter, and the recall remains ongoing. Patients who are currently taking prazosin hydrochloride are being urged not to stop the medication abruptly without consulting a healthcare professional, as doing so could lead to dangerous spikes in blood pressure or other complications.
Instead, the FDA recommends that patients contact their pharmacist or doctor to determine whether their prescription is part of the affected batches. Healthcare providers can then guide patients toward safe alternatives or replacement medications if needed.
This recall is part of a growing number of similar drug recalls linked to nitrosamine impurities , which have been under increasing scrutiny by regulators worldwide. These compounds can form during the manufacturing process and have been associated with cancer risk after prolonged exposure.
For now, the focus is on ensuring that affected medications are removed from circulation and that patients are properly informed. While the potential risk remains low, public health officials emphasize that quality control and vigilance in pharmaceutical production are essential to maintaining trust and safety in widely used medications like prazosin.
Patients with questions are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers or visit the FDA’s official website for detailed information on affected lot numbers and next steps.
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