INVESTIGATIONS

US-based Aurobindo Pharma USA is set to recall two of its blood pressure pills over a potential cancer risk, as reported by the FDA. The drugs in question are quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide, both of which are often used to treat hypertension.

The drugs contain high levels of nitrosamine, a substance that is harmless in low doses but can increase the risk of cancer when consumed in higher levels.

Trade return management service Qualanex, has said it “will be notifying its distributors and customers by phone and in writing to immediately discontinue distribution of the specific lots being recalled and to notify their sub-accounts.” Its announcement continues that “Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. is arranging for return of all recalled products to Qualanex.”

This recall comes just a few weeks after the FDA had to recall another blood pressure medication, and a drug that lowers the risk of stroke or severe heart issues, due to a packaging mix-up. The drugs have been described as “pink coloured, scored, round shapes, biconvex, film-coated tablets, debossed with ‘D’ on the scored side and ‘19’ on the other side.”

The FDA commented: “Patients should contact their doctor or healthcare provider about whether to continue taking their medication, or whether to consider an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication.”