FDA Recalls Several Medicines That Contain Valsartan

   By Maria Armental 
 

Several medicines used to treat high-blood pressure and heart failure are being recalled in the U.S. over concerns they may be contaminated by a carcinogen.

The recall in the U.S. affects valsartan and valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide products from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) and privately held Major Pharmaceuticals and Solco Healthcare, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

The FDA said it was looking into the recalled products' levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine, classified as a substance that could cause cancer, and assessing the possible effect on patients who had taking them.

The ingredient valsartan was supplied by a third party, the FDA said without identifying the supplier. Similar recalls last week, including in Europe and Canada, identified the supplier as China's Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. (600521.SH).

Solco on Friday said it would recall affected lots of the medications listed. Teva Pharmaceutical, Major Pharmaceuticals and Zhejiang Huahai couldn't be immediately reached for comment Friday.

Write to Maria Armental at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 13, 2018 19:50 ET (23:50 GMT)

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