OTTAWA – Canada is one of 22 countries affected by a recall of a common drug for treating high blood pressure and prevention of heart attacks and stroke because of contamination with a potential carcinogen.
In a release on July 9, Health Canada identified a list of 28 products containing the ingredient valsartan that are being recalled by their manufacturers.
The valsartan used in the products contains an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical that could potentially cause cancer in humans with long-term exposure, according to the government agency. The valsartan was supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals.
Five companies have affected products, which can be viewed at http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2018/67202a-eng.php.
Health Canada indicated it is monitoring the companies’ recalls and suggests people taking medicine with valsartan should keep doing so unless their doctor or pharmacist tells them to stop.
Health Canada also advises anyone taking any medication containing valsartan to speak to their pharmacist to find out if their medicine is being recalled.
Meanwhile, anyone who has been using an affected product should contact their health care practitioner as soon as they can to discuss treatment options.
