Health Canada recalls blood-pressure drug valsartan due to contamination with potential carcinogen

12 Jul Health Canada recalls blood-pressure drug valsartan due to contamination with potential carcinogen

Millions of Canadians affected by Health Canada’s recall of valsartan are being asked to contact their pharmacist as soon as possible to make a drug substitution.

Health Canada announced that numerous varieties of valsartan, a generic drug sold by several companies in Canada, may be contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical classified as a potential carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer a carcinogen.

Valsartan is a medicine widely used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. In some cases, it is prescribed after a heart attack. Valsartan lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body.

Health Canada is advising people taking valsartan drugs to contact their healthcare provider to determine what actions to take.

For the most up-to-date information and for a list of all drugs contained in the recall, please visit Health Canada’s website.