Health Canada expands recall for blood pressure medications

Health Canada has announced that drug manufacturers are expanding their previous recall for several medications as a precautionary measure.

The recall now includes eight more blood pressure medications that contain the ingredient valsartan, due to a possible impurity linked to an increased risk of cancer.

The drugs being recalled are used to treat patients with high blood pressure to prevent heart attacks and stroke, and also for patients who have had heart failure or a recent heart attack.

The announcement comes after testing identified traces of the impurity in products from Teva Canada. Teva is among the top five Canadian pharmaceutical companies in annual sales.

The newly-recalled Teva Canada drugs are listed below. For a full list of recalled valsartan medications, visit Health Canada’s website:

TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 80/12.5 MG, DIN 02356996, LOT 35211136A
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 160/12.5 MG, DIN 02357003, LOT 35211335A
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 160/25 MG, DIN 02357003, 35211844R
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 160/25 MG, DIN 02357011, 35210937R
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 160/25 MG, DIN 02357011, LOT 35210938R
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 160/25 MG, DIN 02357011, LOT 35210939R
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 160/25 MG, DIN 02357011, LOT 35210940R
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS 320/12.5 MG, DIN 02357038, LOT 35211546R

Anyone who takes valsartan is encouraged to continue doing so, unless instructed otherwise by a health-care provider, Health Canada says. Individuals using a recalled product are urged to get in touch with their doctor to discuss treatment options, as there are still a number of valsartan products not affected by the recall.

Patients can also ask their pharmacist if they are unsure whether they are using a recalled product.

Click here for the list of products recalled, and the list not recalled as they do not contain the active ingredient from Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals.