Pfizer is recalling multiple blood pressure medications due to elevated levels of a compound that can increase the risk of cancer.
The pharmaceutical company said several lots of Accuretic and two generic versions of the drug distributed by Greenstone may contain the presence of a nitrosamine (N-nitroso-quinapril) above the Acceptable Daily Intake level.
"Nitrosamines are common in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time," Pfizer said in a statement.
The recall includes six lots of Accuretic tablets, one lot of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and four lots of quinapril HCl/ hydrochlorothiazide tablets. The products were distributed nationwide from November 2019 to March 2022.
The medications treat hypertension and lower blood pressure to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and heart attacks.
Pfizer said it is not aware of reports of adverse events related to the recall.
"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," the company said.
Patients should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacy to determine if they have the affected medication. Patients with the affected product should contact Sedgwick at 888-843-0247 for instructions on how to return the product and obtain a refund.
This is the second recent recall from Pfizer over elevated levels of nitrosamine in its medications. In September, the company recalled anti-smoking drug Chantix for the same reason.
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