Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. reportedly issued a voluntary recall of its blood pressure medication over worries that the capsules had high levels of “potentially cancer-causing chemicals.”
The New Jersey-based pharmaceutical firm reportedly recalled more than half a million bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules that were reportedly transported to different US states for sale. The recall is still ongoing and yet to be completed during the time of compiling this report.
A full list of the serial numbers of the affected bottles can be found here.
Why are the capsules being recalled?
US media reports said as many as 580,844 bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules were recalled after tests showed them having "above acceptable intake limits" for N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a cancer-linked chemical compound. The medication's 1, 2, and 5 mg doses were recalled by the company, the reports added. According to available information, s N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C N-nitrosamine which can form highly reactive alkylating agents in the body that damage DNA, initiating tumors in multiple organs -- especially liver, stomach, and bladder.
Prazosin Hydrochloride, often referred to as Prazosin, is used to treat hypertension. Its job is to help blood vessels relax, improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. The drug is sometimes called Minipress, reports said. While the recall began on October 7, it was classified "Class II" after two weeks—meaning the consumption of the product "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," NBC Chicago said in a report. Class II recalls mean the product is not life-threatening or largely unable to cause serious health issues if consumed, the report added.