Pfizer is recalling five lots of Accupril tablets, a blood pressure medication, after finding concerning levels of known carcinogen nitrosamine.
This is the latest development in Pfizer’s recall woes, with the drugmaker recently discovering high levels of carcinogens in multiple products in Canada.
Nitrosamines are everywhere, and we become exposed to them often. They can be found in water or food, and cancer risk only follows long-term exposure. This contaminant has been responsible for many drug recalls, including valsartan metformin diabetes drugs and more recently, Pfizer’s recall of Chantix last year.
“Although long-term ingestion of N nitroso-quinapril may be associated with a potential increased cancer risk in humans, there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication,” Pfizer said in a release posted on the FDA’s website. “Patients currently taking the products should consult with their doctor or health care provider about alternative treatment options for them.”
As of April 23rd, Pfizer stated that no safety reports linked to the recalled lots.
