The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) has recalled batches of valsartan-based medicines containing another potentially carcinogenic substance. What drugs are affected? And what if it’s yours? We will explain everything to you.
While last July, the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) recalled certain generic medicines based on valsartan containing a potentially carcinogenic substance, here it is renewing its initiative because of the “possible presence of another impurity , NDEA (N-nitrosodiethylamine)”, also “classified as probably carcinogenic in humans by the World Health Organization (WHO)”.
In his press release, the Agency specifies that this second undesirable substance “has been highlighted following numerous investigations undertaken since July 2018 at European level concerning valsartan”, used, it should be remembered, to stabilize blood pressure and thus prevent risk of stroke or myocardial infarction. Other European and international states have also recalled the drugs concerned.
Which drugs are affected by this recall?
A shortage of stocks is expected in pharmacies, what to do?
“This recall being particularly important (more than 60% of the French market) and, given that the manufacturers of specialties based on valsartan, not affected by the recall, are currently not in a position to increase their production sufficiently to cover the all the needs of French patients, significant stock shortages are expected quickly”, warns the ANSM, recalling that treatment should not, however, be stopped without medical advice.
“As the risk of a sudden cessation of treatment is significant (hypertensive flare-ups, cardiac decompensation, neurological accidents), patients should not, under any circumstances, interrupt their treatment without medical advice. Also, it is recommended for patients to consult their physician to consider alternative treatment. There are many therapeutic alternatives available to ensure optimal management of patients currently treated with valsartan. It’s all about talking to your doctor.
If in doubt, you can call this number free of charge.number: 0 800 97 14 03
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