Four lots of the generic high blood pressure medication, quinapril tablets, has been recalled for a second time by their manufacturer, Lupin Pharmaceuticals. This is because of the incredibly high amounts of possible cancer-causing impurities found in them.
When tested, the results showed that the levels of a nitrosamine impurity (N-nitroso-quinapril) were above the acceptable daily intake level listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While there is no immediate danger to patients that are taking this medication, long-term ingestion of this suspected carcinogen could possible increase the risk of cancer.
An announcement was issued on December 21 from the FDA, which explained that it was the following quinapril products in question:
- 20 mg tablets, lot number G102929, expiration date 04/2023
- 40 mg tablets, lot number G100533, expiration date 12/2022
- 40 mg tablets, lot number G100534, expiration date 12/2022
- 40 mg tablets, lot number G203071, expiration date 03/2024
These pills, which were packed in bottles of 90-counts, were distributed nationwide to wholesalers, supermarkets, drug chains, and mail order pharmacies, between the dates of March 15, 2021 and September 1, 2022.
Despite Lupin discontinuing these quinapril tablets back in September, a number of these resellers still had the products in their warehouses and on their shelves, and were urged to stop distribution of these recalled medicines immediately.
The Use of Quinapril
Quinapril is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, belonging to the class of medication known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It’s usually given by doctors to lower blood pressure, which in effect, reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
For patients that have been used the affected lots of quinapril, they should make an appointment with their doctor about what other alternative options they can take.
Nitrosamines, What Are They?
Nitrosamines happen to be common chemicals, which naturally exist in water and foods in lower amounts, such as grilled meats, cured meats, dairy and even vegetables. As a result, everyone is exposed to some levels of nitrosamines at one point of another. But if someone is exposed to them over acceptable levels and over longer periods of time, they can increase the risk of cancer.
However, according to the FDA, they share that people taking medications that have nitrosamines at or below the acceptable daily intake limits every day for 70 years is not expected to have a heightened risk of cancer.
This Isn’t the First Time Quinapril Been Recalled
Again, this isn’t the first time that high blood pressure medications have been recalled because of high amounts of nitrosamine. Back in April 2022, Pfizer also recalled five lots of Accupril (quinapril HCI) tablets. And in October, Aurobindo Pharma USA also recalled two lots of quinapril-hydrochlorothiazide tablets.
For anyone that has questions about this latest recall, they should get in touch with Inmar Rx Solutions at the number 877-538-8445, between Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Those patients that would also like to get a reimbursement can do so by giving the lot number on the side of the bottle label that they have.
Recommended For You
