Here’s the verified news on the recent recall of a common blood pressure medication due to cancer-related contamination concerns:
🧪 What happened
- Drug makers voluntarily recalled more than ~580,000 bottles of the blood pressure medicine prazosin hydrochloride in the U.S. this fall after testing found trace levels of a potentially cancer-causing impurity in some batches. (AARP)
- The recall was issued by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Amerisource Health Services under guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (RTTNews)
🩺 What the impurity is
- The contaminated capsules were found to contain nitrosamine impurities (specifically an N-nitroso compound), which are considered potential carcinogens when present above accepted limits. (mint)
- Nitrosamines are a class of chemicals that can form during drug manufacturing or storage and have links to increased cancer risk with long-term high-level exposure. (AARP)
🔎 FDA recall classification
- The recall is a Class II recall, meaning the drug may cause temporary or medically reversible health issues or where risk of serious harm is considered remote. (RTTNews)
- FDA warnings on recalls like this stress that patients should not stop taking their medication abruptly without consulting their doctor, as doing so could worsen blood pressure control. (AARP)
📦 What patients should do
- Check your prescription label and compare lot numbers against the recall notices from the manufacturer or the FDA.
- If your bottle is part of the recall, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider about an alternative medication.
- Do not stop taking your medication without medical guidance.
🧠 Why this matters
Prazosin is commonly prescribed not just for hypertension but also sometimes for PTSD-related nightmares and sleep issues. While the FDA says the chance of harm from the impurity is low, the recall reflects caution due to long-term cancer risk concerns from nitrosamines. (ABC7 Los Angeles)
If you’d like, I can help you find how to check if your specific lot is included in the recall and what to do next.
