People who use valsartan to treat high blood pressure and heart failure should contact their pharmacist to see if it is part of a drug recall.
Health Canada is recalling several brands of the drug because they may contain an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine. NDMA has been linked to cancer.
The recalled products use a valsartan ingredient manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China.
A complete list of the recalled brands is here.
In the meantime, here's what Health Canada says you should do if you are taking valsartan:
- Continue taking your valsartan medication unless you have been advised to stop by your health care provider.
- Contact your health care provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment options if you have been using an affected product. Pharmacists may be able to provide a product not affected by the recall, or doctors may prescribe a different medication for your conditions.
- Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether you are using a recalled product.