Cancer Risk Prompts Recall of 580,000 Blood Pressure Drug Bottles, US FDA Warns

The US Food and Drug Administration has recalled more than 580,000 bottles of a blood pressure medication over concerns that it may include a cancer-causing chemical. According to New Jersey-based drugmaker

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and drug distributor Amerisource Health Services, recalls were issued earlier this month of over half a million bottles of various strengths of prazosine capsules, according to the FDA. Also known as prazosin hydrochloride, the capsule comes in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses and relaxes blood vessels to facilitate blood flow. It is also prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances that are caused by post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the FDA, the affected lots of the recalled drug pose a Class II risk because some of the medication may have impurities of nitrosamine that can be carcinogenic. The agency says chemicals can form when a drug is manufactured or stored.

What should you do with the recalled medication?

Even though a press release has not been issued for this recall, there are no specific instructions for the public on how to respond. However, if you are concerned or take blood pressure medication, it is a good idea to check your inventory and bring any questions to your prescribing doctor. Experts believe you must not discontinue use of your medication before speaking with your provider. They can guide you in the next steps toward a replacement refill or a refund.

What are blood pressure medications?

Blood pressure medications are also known as antihypertensives and are drugs that lower blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. They work in various ways, like relaxing blood vessels, slowing the heart rate, or removing excess water and salt from the body. A few common classes of these drugs include:

Diuretics

Also known as water pills, they help your body get rid of excess sodium and water, which reduces blood volume.

Beta-blockers

Beta blockers help slow the heart rate and reduce the force of your heart's contractions, lowering the amount of blood pumped through the vessels.

Calcium channel blockers

These medications prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, allowing them to relax and widen the vessels.

ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors

ACE inhibitors help stop your body from producing angiotensin, a substance that narrows blood vessels.

ARBs or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

ARBs help block the action of angiotensin, which also helps to relax blood vessels and lower pressure.