FDA Recalls Blood Pressure Drug Over Cancer-Causing Chemical Concerns
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a major recall involving more than half a million bottles of a popular blood pressure medication, prazosin hydrochloride , after concerns emerged about potential contamination with a cancer-causing chemical.
According to the FDA, two major pharmaceutical companies — Teva Pharmaceuticals USA , based in New Jersey, and Amerisource Health Services , have voluntarily recalled around 580,000 bottles of prazosin capsules from the U.S. market. These recalls were issued earlier in October and affect multiple strengths of the medication.
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Prazosin is a widely prescribed drug used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and reduces strain on the heart. Interestingly, it’s also sometimes prescribed for nightmares and sleep disturbances , particularly in patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The issue arose after the FDA detected nitrosamine impurities —a class of chemicals known to potentially cause cancer—within certain lots of the medication. The agency classified this recall as a Class II recall , which means that using or being exposed to the drug may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, but the likelihood of serious harm is relatively low. Still, the discovery has raised significant concern.
Nitrosamines are not new to pharmaceutical recalls. They can form during the manufacturing process or even while a drug is stored over time, especially under improper conditions. These impurities are similar to those that led to the recall of several other medications in recent years, including some used to treat heartburn and diabetes. The FDA has been closely monitoring these issues and requiring manufacturers to take stronger steps to detect and limit such contamination.
As of now, the FDA has not reported any injuries or illnesses directly linked to the recalled prazosin batches, but it’s urging patients and healthcare providers to check their medication labels carefully. Those in possession of affected bottles are advised to contact their pharmacists or the manufacturers directly for replacement instructions or safe disposal.
The incident serves as a reminder of how vital drug safety monitoring remains in today’s pharmaceutical industry. Even well-established medications can face unexpected quality control issues, and proactive recalls like this are seen as a necessary measure to protect public health.
While the recall might cause temporary inconvenience for patients relying on prazosin, the FDA’s quick response and transparency highlight the importance of maintaining strict safety standards to ensure the continued trust and protection of consumers across the country.
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