Recall Alert: Health Canada Recalls Three Blood Pressure Meds From ‘Sartan’ Class Due to Cancer Fears

Health Canada has issued a recall for three blood pressure medications — irbesartan, losartan, and valsartan – which could contain excessive levels of azido impurity.

Azido impurity is considered a mutagen which may increase the risk of cancer, but the specific risk of this azido impurity causing cancer in humans is unknown.

The three medications, which fall into the class of medications known as ‘sartans,’ treat patients with high blood pressure to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. They are also used to treat heart failure or are prescribed to those who have had a recent heart attack.

The agency said that people who had been prescribed irbesartan, losartan, or valsartan should keep taking the medications unless a doctor or a health-care provider had advised them to stop.

“There is no immediate risk to patients taking these medications, since the potential increased risk of cancer is with long-term exposure to the impurity,” the agency said.

“Not treating your condition may pose a greater health risk.”

In the recall notice, Health Canada said that there were established international guidelines that recommend that mutagenic impurities be kept at or below a specific level because exposure to a mutagen over the long term at a level above what is considered to be safe, has the potential to increase the risk of cancer.

“A person taking a drug daily for 70 years that contains this azido impurity at or below the acceptable level is not expected to have an increased risk of cancer.”

Not all lots of the three medications are affected by the recall, however Health Canada said that the recall could affect the supply of some products. The agency recommended patients speak with their doctor or pharmacist to discuss alternatives if their regular prescribed drug is not available.

“Pharmacists may be able to provide a product not affected by the recall, or your doctor may prescribe a different medication for your condition,” the agency said in the recall notice.

It urged consumers to report any health product side effects or complaints to Health Canada, and to contact the company directly if consumers had questions about a recall:

• Auro Pharma Inc. by calling toll free at 1-855-568-2511, or by email.
• Mint Pharmaceuticals Inc. by calling 1-905-795-9437, extension 2201, or by email.
• Pharmascience Inc. by calling toll free at 1-800-340-9735
• Pro Doc Ltd. by calling toll free at 1-800-361-8559
• Sandoz Canada Inc. by calling toll free at 1-800-343-8839
• Sanis Health Inc. by calling toll free at 1-866-236-4076, or by email.
• Sivem Pharmaceuticals ULC by calling toll free at 1-855-757-4836
• Sun Pharma Canada Inc. by calling toll free at 1-800-268-1975, or by email.
• Teva Canada Ltd. by calling toll free at 1-800-268-4129

For a full list of recalled products, click here.

Recently, popular weight loss drug Belviq was taken off the market after a clinical trial found its side effects may include an increased cancer risk. Also known by its generic name, lorcaserin, the medication was commonly prescribed to treat obesity and related medical problems.

Have you ever taken a medication that was subject to a recall? Tell us your reaction in the comments section!

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