FDA recalls another blood pressure drug for possible cancer risk

Ashley May | USA TODAY

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a third blood pressure medication recall over concerns the contaminated drug might cause cancer.

Sandoz Inc. is voluntarily recalling losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablets because the pills could contain an impurity N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). The substance is a probable human carcinogen, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Losartan affected by the recall are 100 milligram/25 milligram tablets with the lot number JB8912. The contaminated medication was not distributed before Oct. 8.

Patients who are currently taking this medication are advised to speak with their doctor before stopping use, because the risk of going off of the medication might be greater than the possible cancer risk, according to the Nov. 8 recall notice. Patients with questions about the recall can contact Sandoz Inc. at 800-525-8747 or email usdrugsafety.operations@novartis.com.

More: FDA chief: Blood pressure medicine recalls reflect increased scrutiny on drug safety

Recently, the FDA issued a recall for blood pressure medication irbesartan, also because of a NDEA contamination concern. Over the summer, blood pressure drug valsartan was similarly recalled.

Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets

More: Blood pressure drug recalled for possible cancer risk, FDA says

More: FDA to limit sale of sweet-flavored e-cigarettes in hope of curbing teen vaping 'epidemic'