PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregonlive.com recently examined the most current list of losartan blood pressure medications recalled by the companies that make the drug. Losartan is a widely used blood pressure medicine. However, recent recall campaigns suggest that there are substantial problems with the medications and consumers must be very cautious when taking losartan-based blood pressure medication […]
PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregonlive.com recently examined the most current list of losartan blood pressure medications recalled by the companies that make the drug. Losartan is a widely used blood pressure medicine. However, recent recall campaigns suggest that there are substantial problems with the medications and consumers must be very cautious when taking losartan-based blood pressure medication because of the possible danger these medicines present. Both losartan potassium, USP, and losartan potassium/hydrochloride, USP, are subject to recall. People who take blood pressure medication must pay very close attention to the recall campaigns and heed the FDA’s recall warnings that long-term use of drugs made with carcinogenic material could develop cancer.
For approximately one-year, generic high blood pressure medication known as angiotensin II receptors blockers, or ARBs for short. A Chinese drug maker first recalled its generic ARB after learning that potentially carcinogenic matter was found a drug called valsartan. Since that time, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. started a recall initiative for losartan potassium tablets. Teva determined that two lots of 50 mg and four lots of 100 mg contained excessive amounts of the known carcinogen N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA). The FDA allows NMBA exposure up to a threshold of 9.82 parts per million (ppm). Hetero Labs Ltd. manufactured the active ingredient in the losartan discovered the active ingredient contained NMBA. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA also recalled 35 lots of bulk losartan potassium tablets distributed by Golden State Medical Supply.
Vivimed Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. also recalled its losartan product. The company recalled losartan potassium tablets, USP, in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg doses. Vivimed Life Sciences recalled the drugs due to excessive levels of NMBA contained in the medicine. The amount of NMBA contained in the recalled lots exceeded the amount permitted by the FDA. Vivimed Life Sciences distributed it losartan medication across the U.S. and to several countries.