FDA announces recall of blood pressure medication due to possible cancer risk

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The blood pressure medication Quinapril has been voluntarily recalled by Lupin Pharmaceuticals due to the possible risk of carcinogen.
• The drug contains high levels of nitrosamine impurities which through prolonged exposure increases the risk of cancer.
• According to the recall statement, there was no need to immediately stop taking the medicines but alternative treatments should be discussed with your physician.

Drug manufacturer Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc, voluntarily recalled four lots of its blood pressure medication Quinapril from the market for possible cancer risk, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to the company, the drug, which is available in 20 and 40 mg tablets, may contain high levels of nitrosamine impurity, N-Nitroso-Quinapril. According to the recall, the impurities of Nitrosamine are commonly found in grilled and cured meats, dairy products and vegetables.

The recall statement said that everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. “These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.”

Although there is no need to immediately stop patients from taking the medicines, discussing an alternative treatment with their healthcare provider is advised.

The four lots affected came in 90-count bottles and were distributed from March 2021 to Sept. 2022. Expiry dates ranged from Dec. 2022 to March 2024.

Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. also said that they have stopped manufacturing the product since September and are making arrangements for the return of the recalled products with their distributors.

So far there have been no reports of illnesses arising from using the recalled product. 

Just this October, another manufacturer recalled lots of the drug for blood pressure treatment due to the same potential cancer risk.

Source: USA Today