Blood pressure medication recalled for 75th time in 8 months

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Critical medication repeatedly tainted by probable carcinogens that have been used in rocket fuel

U.S. PIRG Education Fund

PHILADELPHIA —  The presence of chemicals that likely cause cancer has prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to announce another recall of the blood pressure medication Valsartan.  And while the FDA recommends patients continue taking their medication until they develop an alternative treatment plan with their doctor, the FDA estimates this contamination may cause cancer in up to 1 out of 8,000 patients, depending on the dosage.  

In response, U.S. PIRG Consumer Watchdog Adam Garber released the following statement:

“We applaud the FDA for its ongoing efforts to identify contaminated medication and remove it from shelves, but after 74 recalls it is clear more aggressive action is needed. Americans expect their blood pressure medication to treat their conditions, not cause cancer. 

“The FDA needs to finish its investigation and develop a plan to prevent further contamination. Until then, every batch of these medications should be scrutinized closely, before it reaches patients, to determine if probable carcinogens are present.”

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