Recall of 23 cardiovascular drugs containing cancer-causing impurities
Valsartan raw materials produced in China were found to contain the impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a potential carcinogen.
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| Cancer cells. Illustration photo |
This Valsartan is manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Company, China. This is the main ingredient in many drugs to treat cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and heart failure.
Valsartan was found to contain the impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine which is a possible carcinogen.The European Medicines Agency (EMA), Canada and several other countries have recalled medicines containing this valsartan ingredient.
In Vietnam, valsartan is imported from China by many companies to produce drugs and register different brand names. The Drug Administration of Vietnam (Ministry of Health) has recorded 23 types of drugs on the domestic market containing the cancer-risk ingredient valsartan.
To ensure safety for users, the Drug Administration of Vietnam has suspended the circulation of these 23 drugs.
The Drug Administration also requested units to stop using valsartan from China to produce drugs and seek other sources of supply to ensure quality and safety requirements for users.