Medication for lowering blood pressure withdrawn due to cancer-inducing contaminant
Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical giant, has voluntarily recalled several lots of blood pressure medications due to the presence of a cancer-causing impurity known as nitrosamine.
The specific drugs being recalled include six lots of Accuretic tablets, one lot of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and four lots of quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide tablets. These medications were distributed between November 2019 and March 2022.
Nitrosamines are chemically stable and can accumulate in the body with long-term use. They are classified as probable human carcinogens and can form during drug manufacturing or storage. Regulatory agencies like the US FDA, EMA, and Australian TGA have defined strict limits for nitrosamine impurities to minimize cancer risk.
Long-term ingestion of N-nitroso-quinapril, one of the nitrosamines found in the recalled products, may be associated with an increased cancer risk in humans. However, Pfizer states that there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication.
If you are taking one of the recalled medications, it is essential to contact your physician for guidance. You can access a detailed listing of the recalled blood pressure medications here. If you are unsure if your medication is on the list, your pharmacist can help.
To return the product and obtain a reimbursement, call (888) 843-0247.
Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines, but prolonged exposure to levels above the "Acceptable Daily Intake" (ADI) may increase the risk of cancer. Nitrosamines can be found in cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and are formed when some foods are cooked at high heat levels.
Authorities monitor reported side effects and encourage reporting through safety apps to track potential adverse outcomes from such exposure. It is crucial to discontinue medication without consulting your physician first, as it is not safe.
In summary, chronic exposure to elevated nitrosamine impurities like N-nitroso-quinapril is linked to increased cancer risk, prompting strict regulation and recalls in blood pressure medicines to protect public health. While there is no immediate risk to patients taking these medications, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by Pfizer and your healthcare provider.
The recalled blood pressure medications, which contain the nitrosamine impurity N-nitroso-quinapril, have been linked to an increased cancer risk in humans. If you are taking one of the recalled medications, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider for guidance on the next steps, and you can find the detailed listing of the recalled products here.
