Pfizer is recalling Accuretic, a blood pressure drug, due to high amounts of nitrosamine, a chemical component linked to cancer.
Accuretic tablets are used to treat high blood pressure and hypertension in order to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The Pfizer-supplied pill, as well as two other generic versions of the same medicine distributed by Greenstone, are being recalled.
Accuretic was discovered by Pfizer to have a nitrosamine level that was higher than the daily limit. While nitrosamine is a common chemical molecule found in cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and vegetables, the Food and Drug Administration warns that high doses and repeated long-term exposure can be harmful.
The stock of the American pharmaceutical behemoth has dropped 2.1 percent.
While long-term use of the blood pressure drug may increase the risk of cancer, Pfizer stated that “there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication” and that it was unaware of any reports of adverse effects related to the recall. “Based on currently available evidence,” the company noted, “we believe the benefit/risk profile of the products remains favorable.”
Before quitting the recalled blood pressure medications or moving to an alternative treatment, Pfizer advised consumers to consult their doctors and pharmacists.
Accuretic was recalled by Pfizer Canada in March for the same reason: excessive nitrosamine levels. Health Canada, Canada’s health regulator, said patients may continue to take the prescription as prescribed and did not need to return it to their pharmacist, but they should think about other options.
Accuretic is a medicine that combines two medications: quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide. Quinapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor that keeps blood arteries from narrowing, whereas hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urination and flushes sodium from the body. Other blood pressure treatments typically contain both of these substances.
Pfizer stated on Tuesday that it would donate up to 4 million oral COVID-19 treatments to impoverished countries as part of a deal with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It also just revealed that additional clinical medication trials in Russia will be halted, and CEO Albert Bourla stated that a fourth COVID-19 vaccination injection may be required.