FDA recalls blood pressure drug over cancer-causing chemicals

More than half a million bottles of blood thinners are being recalled over cancer-causing chemicals linked to the prescription drug, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, based in PopPany, New Jersey, issued a voluntary recall on Oct. 7 of some prazosin hydrochloride caplules class I II risks on Friday, Oct. 24.

This drug was approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure, but is sometimes prescribed off-label to help treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially sleep problems. Medicines work by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

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According to the FDA, a class II hazard is a situation “where the use or exposure of the offending product may cause adverse health effects or where the potential for adverse health effects may be prolonged.”

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A risk classification from the Federal agency shows the recalled drug may contain nitrosami contamination Exposure to the product can lead to serious health risks, reports the FDA.

Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including how many bottles are being recalled.

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What blood pressure medications are being recalled?

The recall involves more than 580,000 prazosin hydrochloride capsules distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

Doctors affect:

• 1 mg caplule: 181,659 bottles

• 2 mg caplule: 291,512 bottles

• 5 mg caplule: 107,673 bottles

Bottles can contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 capsules, according to the FDA.

For more information on code details and Lot Number, visit the FDA enforcement report here.

What should people do with recalled medications?

Neither Teva nor the FDA has issued guidance on what to do with the recalled tablets.

But according to Goodx, anyone affected by a drug recall is advised to check their medical number, contact their pharmacist and their administrator and dispose of the recalled drugs.

USA today reached Teva.

Contributing: Today’s USA Tower Powell by James.

Natalie Nesa Alund is a top reporter for USA Today. Reach her at alund@usatoday.com and follow her at x @natalieoul.

This article appeared in the USA today: Blood pressure medication recalled over cancer risk