A recall of more than half a million bottles of the hypertension drug prazosin hydrochloride has been issued after potential cancer-causing impurities were detected. The voluntary action was sparked by Teva Pharmaceuticals, based in New Jersey, and Amerisource Health Services, a drug distributor. CBS News reported the recall covers over 580,000 bottles of the capsule form.
The implicated prazosin capsules may contain nitrosamine impurities. Nitrosamines are chemicals that can be harmful and potentially cancer-causing with prolonged or high-level exposure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said these impurities can form during manufacturing or leak from packaging.
Affected products include 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses distributed by Teva, and 5 mg doses distributed by Amerisource Health Services. The nationwide recall applies to capsules distributed across the United States.
Prazosin is primarily used to treat high blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. The medication can also be prescribed for off-label uses beyond hypertension.
The FDA categorized the recall as Class II, indicating a risk that is temporary or medically reversible, or that serious health consequences are unlikely.
Patients currently taking prazosin should consult their doctor or pharmacist before making any changes to medication. Abruptly stopping blood pressure treatment can pose serious health risks.
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