January 1, Blood Pressure Medication Recalled Over “Risk of Cancer”

Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is recalling four lots of its Quinapril Tablets, a blood pressure medication, due to recent testing that found a nitrosamine impurity in the product, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA noted that Lupin hasn’t received any reports of illness that “appear to relate to this issue.”

Quinapril, which stopped being marketed in September, is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension by lowering blood pressure.

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

The FDA advises patients that take Quinapril to continue taking their medication as prescribed, and contact a medical professional for advice regarding an alternative treatment.

But wholesalers, distributors, and retailers are advised to discontinue the sale of Quinapril tablets immediately.

Anyone with questions regarding the Quinapril recall should contact Inmar Rx Solutions, Inc. at (877) 538-8445 Monday – Friday 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. EST, the FDA said.

Sources: The Hill | The Food and Drug Administration