4 more batches of blood pressure medication recalled due to impurity

Four batches of the antihypertensive drug Quinapril sold by Lupine Pharmaceuticals are being recalled due to a nitrosamine impurity, the company announced last week in a voluntary recall posted on the US Food and Drug Administration website. Nitrosamines are organic compounds found in food and water at low levels. But at higher levels, and if exposure is over a long period, they can potentially increase cancer risk.

Lupine is recalling four lots of Quinapril tablets because recent testing found them to exceed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level for nitrosamines. Medicines for high blood pressure manufactured by Aurobindo and Pfizer were voluntarily recalled earlier this year for the same nitrosamine issue.

To date, there have been no reported illnesses in Lupin, according to the recall, and the company discontinued marketing of its Quinapril tablets in September.

The four lots included in the recall were sold as 20mg or 40mg tablets and have expiry dates through April 2023, December 2022 and March 2024. They were distributed from March 15, 2021 to September 1, 2022 You can check the specific lot or UPC numbers to see if your medicine is included in the recall.

Patients currently taking the recalled lots are “advised to continue taking their medications and to contact their pharmacist, physician or healthcare provider for advice regarding alternative treatment,” Lupin said. Quinapril is used to treat hypertension by lowering blood pressure. It is important to treat high blood pressure because it can increase the risk of serious health problems, including stroke and heart disease. Heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2021.

Lupine said in the recall that consumers or distributors of the drug can contact Inmar Rx Solutions with questions at 877-538-8445, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. He also said recalled lots can be returned to Inmar for a refund.

Read more: The Callback Wave, Explained

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical or health advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.