Blood Pressure Medication Recalled Over Cancer-Causing Chemical

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in White Oak, Md., on July 20, 2020. Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images

Aurobindo Pharma USA is voluntarily recalling two lots of blood pressure medication because of high levels of nitrosamine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

The New Jersey-based company initiated the recall of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide in 20 milligram and 12.5 milligram tablets due to the presence of the chemical, which is associated with a higher risk of cancer. The tablets are used to treat high blood pressure.

“Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines,” according to the FDA. “These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.”

But the FDA alert doesn’t say to stop taking the medication.

“Patients should contact their doctor or health care provider about whether to continue taking their medication, or whether to consider an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication,” it said, adding, “To date, Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.”

Meanwhile, the FDA said earlier this month on its website that bottles of drugs designed to reduce blood pressure contained medication meant for blood clots and strokes, causing a recall of each.

Other Recent Recalls

Clorox is recalling its popular Pine-Sol cleaning product in connection to a bacteria exposure risk, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The agency said that consumers should “immediately stop” using some Pine-Sol products due to them having the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other types of bacteria.

“The recalled products may contain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an environmental organism found widely in soil and water,“ the agency says. ”People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment.”

“The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria,” it said.

Unilever United States this week a voluntary recall of several brands of dry shampoo aerosol products because of “potentially elevated levels” of benzene, a  carcinogen.

According to a company announcement that was issued via the FDA’s website, brands that are subject to the recall include Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI (Rockaholic and Bed Head), and TRESemmé. They were made before October 2021 and have been distributed across the United States, the alert said.