The recall includes more than 580,000 Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules sold by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
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More than 500,000 prescription blood pressure medications have been recalled because they contained cancer-causing chemicals, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
On October 7, Parsippany, New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA issued a voluntary recall of some of its Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules, which the FDA classified as a Class II risk level on Friday, October 24.
The drug is approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure, but it is also sometimes prescribed off-label to manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly nightmares and sleep disturbances. This drug works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and lowering blood pressure.
According to the FDA, a Class II risk refers to a situation in which “use or exposure to a violative product is likely to cause a temporary or medically reversible adverse health effect, or the likelihood of a serious adverse health effect is remote.”
The federal agency’s risk classification indicates that the recalled medications may contain a nitrosamine impurity, also known as “N-nitrosoprazosin Impurity C.” The FDA reported that exposure to the product may pose serious health risks.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including how many bottles were recalled.
What blood pressure medications are being recalled?
The recall includes more than 580,000 Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules sold by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Prescriptions affect:
- 1mg capsules: 181,659 bottles
- 2mg capsules: 291,512 bottles
- 5mg capsules: 107,673 bottles
According to the FDA, a bottle may contain between 100 and 1,000 capsules.
For detailed code information and recall lot numbers, please see the FDA enforcement report here.
What should people do about recalled medications?
Neither Teva nor the FDA had issued guidance on handling the recalled tablets.
However, according to GoodRx, people affected by drug recalls are encouraged to check the lot number of their medications, contact their pharmacist as well as their prescriber, and discard the recalled medications.
USA TODAY reached out to Teva.
Contributor: James Powel of USA TODAY.
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund.
