Pfizer Inc. recalls a blood pressure medication due to possible cancer-causing impurities.

On Monday, the firm informed users about multiple contaminated batches of Accuretic and two additional forms of the drug-quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets due to the presence of nitrosamine at levels over the recommended daily dosage. Nitrosamines can be found in water and food, such as cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and vegetables that have been cooked or smoked. According to the Food and Drug Administration, “everyone is exposed to nitrosamines. ” People exposed to these impurities for a long time may be more likely to get cancer. The drugs are used to treat hypertension to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events, most notably strokes and myocardial infarctions. According to the firm, the recall is voluntary, and as of Monday, the company has received no complaints of adverse occurrences associated with the medications. In addition, although chronic intake of N-nitroso-quinapril may be related to an elevated risk of cancer in humans, the FDA notes that there is no immediate danger to patients using this drug. Message from the Sponsor Pfizer urges customers who use the pills to see their physician or pharmacist determine whether they received a contaminated batch.

Reference

Pfizer launches a recall of blood pressure drugs due to a potential carcinogen. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/22/1088075045/pfizer-blood-pressure-recall-carcinogen?fbclid=IwAR19uBZdd6vxW64B7DDn-brE0LgmkdDr1BYJ6Mk8O9om4ION9hjfyf6SQDg