Philadelphia Valsartan Attorney

Valsartan Lawsuits

Media reports have confirmed that several drugs containing Valsartan (typically used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure) were recalled as a result of an “impurity” in the drug which can potentially increase the patient’s risk of cancer. The impurity is N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and is classified as a probable human carcinogen.

Manufacturers Teva Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare and Major Pharmaceuticals have all recalled their prescription drugs containing Valsartan. According to a spokesperson for the FDA, the presence of NDMA in Valsartan was “unexpected,” and believed to be related to changes in the manufacturing process. The actions on the part of the FDA came after 22 other countries issued Valsartan recalls. Patients in the United States who routinely took Valsartan, are now uncertain about their treatment.

Serious Side Effects of Valsartan

The drug Valsartan—prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure—can come with serious known and acknowledged side effects, including the following:

• High levels of potassium in the blood
• Intense abdominal pain
• Virus-caused infection
• Joint pain
• Kidney disease with a reduction in kidney function
• Acute infection of the sinus, throat or nose
• Nausea and vertigo
• Appetite loss
• Total lack of energy
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Inflammation of blood vessels
• Abnormal liver function
• Decreased blood platelets and white blood cells
• Chest pain
• Hepatitis
• Trouble breathing

Not All Valsartan Drugs Recalled

It is important to note that not all drugs which contain Valsartan were recalled, because not all Valsartan drugs contained the NDMA impurity. In particular, the prescription drug Entresto which is manufactured by Novartis for heart failure does contain Valsartan; however, is not part of the recall. In fact, no Sandoz or Novartis Valsartan prescription drugs are included in the current recall. The valsartan products from these manufacturers do no come from the same source as the other products—which were affected outside the United States.

How Serious is the Valsartan Cancer Risk?

Currently, the long-term cancer risks of NDMA found in some Valsartan products is unknown; however, the amount of NDMA would likely make a difference. The “impurity” found in some Valsartan products is considered a toxin which can potentially affect the liver—when studies of rats were done, liver fibrosis, scarring and liver tumors resulted. Those who have taken the Valsartan with NDMA will likely be dismayed to know that NDMA is an organic chemical which is typically used to make lubricants, softeners and liquid rocket fuel. NDMA can also be unintentionally produced through some chemical reactions and is a byproduct of fish processing and rubber tire manufacturing.

Recalled Valsartan from China?

Fiercepharma.com reports that the Valsartan in question was manufactured in China—China’s Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals voluntarily informed the European Medicines Agency that NDMA had been found in the Valsartan supplied to the European market.

Huahai Pharmaceuticals claims there have been no restrictions placed on NDMA; however, in the interest of public health, all unshipped batches of the Valsartan have been sealed, and all customers and regulators notified. Huahai Pharmaceuticals was among the first Chinese pharmaceutical company to get a drug approved in the United States. Huahai claims its other products have not been affected by the Valsartan issue because of a different manufacturing process. Huahai sold more than $50 million dollars of the toxic ingredient in 2017 alone, however after the recall, Huahai’s stock prices dropped more than 20 percent.

FDA’s Stance on Valsartan Recall

Health care professionals and patients taking the recalled Valsartan products are currently being alerted about the potential risks of the drug, according to the FDA. The agency is currently reviewing the issue, investigating the levels of NDMA in the recalled Valsartan products and attempting to determine the level of risk among patients who have taken the tainted valsartan products.

Since Valsartan is used to treat serious medical issues, patients are advised to continue taking their medications until their doctor can prescribe a replacement. If you have experienced medical issues while taking a Valsartan product which you now know contains NDMA, it could be beneficial for you to speak to an experienced product liability attorney to determine whether you should file a claim. If you are unsure, we have a list of manufacturers and lot information to tell whether the Valsartan you used was effected.

The national product liability lawyers at Golomb Legal have successfully represented individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Jersey, and throughout the United States.