"[Exposure] to the product of concern could lead to severe adverse health consequences, but the likelihood of harm was assessed as remote," government officials said in a statement
Drug makers have recalled more than 500,000 bottles of a blood pressure medication over concerns it may include a cancer-causing chemical.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and drugs distributor Amerisource Health Services issued voluntary nationwide recalls for various doses of prazosin hydrochloride, according to the Associated Press.
The drug makers said the pill capsules may have nitrosamine impurities -- or "No-nitroso Prazosin impurity C" -- that are considered potentially cancer causing. About 580,000 bottles of various strengths have been recalled for having the impurities.
The FDA classified the recall as having a Class II risk level, "in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."
A statement from the California State Board of Pharmacy reads: "According to the Health Hazard Assessment by Teva USA, exposure to the product of concern could lead to severe adverse health consequences, but the likelihood of harm was assessed as remote. The overall risk of harm in the patient population is considered to be medium.'
The recalled bottles included 181,659 of 1 mg bottles, 291,512 of 2 mg bottles and 107,673 of 5 mg bottles. The bottles may have up to 1,000 capsules each with expiration dates ranging from November 2025 to February 2028.
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The lot numbers and expiration dates can be found on the FDA's website.
According to the AARP, anyone who has affected medication should contact their doctor or pharmacy for specific guidance, return their medication to the pharmacy to dispose of it, and to report any side effects or issues to the FDA.
The Mayo Clinic states that prazosin is prescribed to patients to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, which can cause the heart and arteries to not function properly and then damage brain, heart and kidneys. It can also result in a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure.
The medication is also sometimes prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances caused by post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the AP.
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