RX drug recall

Photo: Contributed

Drug manufacturers are recalling several medications which contain the ingredient valsartan.

The move comes after Health Canada found an impurity in the valsartan used in certain products.

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

The valsartan was supplied by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals. NDMA is a potential human carcinogen, which means that it could cause cancer with long-term exposure. Five companies have affected products, which are being recalled:

•     TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS PP 30s
•     TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS (Bulk)
•     ACT-VALSARTAN 40MG FC TABLETS 100
•     ACT-VALSARTAN 80MG FC TABLETS 100
•     ACT-VALSARTAN 160MG FC TABLETS 100
•     SANDOZ VALSARTAN 40 MG
•     SANDOZ VALSARTAN 80 MG
•     SANDOZ VALSARTAN 160 MG
•     SANDOZ VALSARTAN 320 MG
•     SANIS VALSARTAN 40 MG
•     SANIS VALSARTAN 80 MG
•     SANIS VALSARTAN 160 MG
•     PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 40 MG
•     PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 80 MG
•     PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 160 MG
•     PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 320 MG
•     SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 40 MG
•     SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 80 MG
•     SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 160 MG
•     SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 320 MG

Health Canada advises consumers to keep taking their valsartan-containing medicine, but to check with their pharmacist to see whether their medication is being recalled. If you are taking an affected medication, you should contact your health care practitioner as soon as possible to discuss your treatment options.