What Is Valsartan?
Valsartan is a drug designed to treat high blood pressure. It typically takes the form of a capsule or tablet and is known in the United States by the brand name “Diovan.” It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which force the blood vessels to relax and increase the ease of blood flow throughout the body. Doctors often prescribe valsartan-containing medications for people who have suffered heart attacks or other complications resulting from high blood pressure.
Why Are Valsartan Drugs Being Recalled?
Certain products containing valsartan are being recalled due to recent discovery of a dangerous chemical known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is suspected to cause cancer and create other serious health problems.
Are All Valsartan Products Being Recalled?
No. Only valsartan-containing products from the following manufacturers and re-packaging companies are being recalled:
- Actavis
- A-S Medication Solutions LLC
- AvKARE
- Bryant Ranch Prepack Inc.
- Camber Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- H.J. Harkins Company Inc.
- Lake Erie Medical
- Major Pharmaceuticals
- Northwind Pharmaceuticals
- NuCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Proficient Rx LP
- Quality Care Products LLC
- RemedyRepack
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
Which Valsartan Products Are NOT Being Recalled?
Valsartan-containing products from the following manufacturers and re-packing companies are not being recalled and may still be safe to use:
- Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Allergan, Inc.
- American Health Packaging
- Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
- Aphena Pharma Solutions
- Apotex Corp.
- Aurobindo Pharma Limited
- AvPAK
- Cardinal Health
- Carilion Materials Management
- Gavis Pharmaceuticals, LLC
- Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals Inc. (labeled “Cadista”)
- Lucid Pharma
- Lupin
- Macleods Pharmaceuticals USA
- Mylan
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
- Novel Laboratories, Inc.
- Ohm Laboratories Inc.
- Par Pharmaceutical, Inc.
- PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Preferred Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Proficient Rx LP
- Sandoz Inc.
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Unichem Pharmaceuticals (USA), Inc.
If you are unsure whether your valsartan medication was produced or repackaged by a specific provider, call your dispensing pharmacist or your prescribing doctor before you change medications or stop taking youu prescription.
What Should I Do if I Am Using a Valsartan Product that Has Been Recalled?
If a doctor has prescribed a valsartan-containing product for you, it is likely because your condition is dangerous and life-threatening. Even if you are worried your valsartan medication may be tainted by NDMA, you should speak to your prescribing doctor and your dispensing pharmacist before you stop taking your medication. It may be more hazardous to your health to stop taking your valsartan medication than to continue doing so, depending on your condition and the severity of your symptoms.
Get in Touch With a Dangerous Drug Lawyer in Kansas City Today.
You may have legal recourse if you or someone you love has been harmed because of the presence of NDMA in a valsartan-containing drug. When you call Bertram & Graf, L.L.C. for help, you will have the practical support and trustworthy legal counsel you need to make informed decisions about how to proceed. Connect with one of our Kansas City dangerous drug attorneys and learn more about your options.
Call (888) 398-2277 today to speak to a member of our team and schedule your free, confidential case review.