Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. recalls its blood pressure medications after trace amounts of impurity were found. These impurities are known to be potentially cancer-causing and were discovered during testing. Torrent Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled two of its blood pressure medications: Losartan Potassium Tablets USP and Losartan Potassium/hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Testing these medications revealed trace amounts of NMBA (N-methylnitrosobutyric acid) above the US Food and Drug Administration's regulatory amount. This recall has been expanding further since July and is related to the valsartan recall.
During the valsartan recall in July, various batches of the blood pressure medication from companies other than Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. were also recalled and being removed from pharmacy shelves. This rise in cancer-causing substances in medicine is a red flag, causing concerned officials to reconsider the regulatory standards set in place.
Medications also contained losartan or irbesartan and other impurities, all of which have potentially cancer-causing side effects to regular users of this medication.
This has caused the FDA to broaden further their testing and to make it more stringent. The FDA has begun testing angiotensin II receptor blockers for the impurities mentioned above. The ARBs work by blocking a potent chemical in the circulatory system known as angiotensin that causes surrounding muscles to contract, causing the blood vessels to become narrower. Due to this chemical binding, blood vessels can narrow down, leading to high blood pressure.
This recall included a lot of medication from various companies, including Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. There have been upwards of 3 Losartan Potassium Tablets recalled from the market. Many patients have been forced to continue their current medication due to financial limitations. These patients also believe that not taking this medication puts them at a higher risk of death due to blood pressure than the risk of developing cancer. Patients need to slowly transition from one drug to another rather than an abrupt stop to prevent the chances of developing complications due to high blood pressure.
Though the exact working and percentage of cancer risk increase is still unknown, doctors strongly advise against these medications until all affected batches have been recalled and replaced.
