Pfizer has issued a recall for a high blood pressure medication sold under three different brands.
The recall affects Accuretic and its two generic variants marketed by Greenstone: quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide tablets.
The drugs are used to manage hypertension, which increases the risk of potentially serious cardiovascular events such as strokes.
The products are being recalled because they contain unsafe levels of nitrosamines, contaminants prevalent in foods such as meats, cheeses, and others. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, they can even form while food and products are being metabolized in the body. Nitrosamines, however, can raise the risk of cancer if ingested in large quantities or over a long period of time.
Specific lot numbers and photos of the drug bottles can be found in the recall announcement.
"Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time," Pfizer said in the news release.
When specific chemical reactions are used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, nitrosamines may be introduced accidentally.
According to the announcement, the company stated that it is unaware of any reports of adverse effects related to the medication's use, and that the products' safety profile has been established over a period of more than 20 years.
The announcement advised distributors and dealers to avoid using and distributing the product and "quarantine the product immediately."
According to The New York Times, more tests looking for contaminants in medications have resulted in recalls in recent months. Sandoz, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, also recalled several batches of its pain-relieving drug for musculoskeletal problems this week due to excessive nitrosamine levels.
Pfizer advised people who were taking the medicine to speak with their doctor about other treatment options.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that high blood pressure, or hypertension, is a highly prevalent health issue that is also connected to heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
While there is no cure, taking drugs as prescribed and implementing lifestyle changes can improve patients' quality of life and lower their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other conditions.
If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should keep track of it on a regular basis. Maintaining an awareness of your numbers might help you spot patterns and notify you of any changes. If you track your outcomes over time, you'll be able to see if the modifications you've made are effective.
