Recall of 23 cardiovascular drugs containing cancer-causing impurities

Cancer cells. Illustration photo

Valsartan is manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Company, China. It 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 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.