In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration recalled generic versions of Valsartan blood pressure medication estimated to be used by more than 3 million Americans. Shipments of the drug, which is used to treat post-heart attack symptoms and congestive heart failure in addition to hypertension, were found to be tainted with a cancer-causing substance.
Throughout the United States, victims of the harmful Valsartan tablets and capsules have filed numerous lawsuits, which have now been consolidated before a federal court in Camden, New Jersey. If you believe you might have a claim related to this tainted medication, it’s important to know the facts about:
- Generic makers — Various manufacturers of generic Valsartan pharmaceuticals have been affected by the recall, including Mylan, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Aurobindo Pharma USA, Accord Healthcare, Inc. and Accord Pharmaceuticals.
- Contamination at plants in China and India — Following an investigation, the FDA identified the harmful active pharmaceutical ingredient in drugs made by Chinese manufacturers Zhejiang Huahais and Zhejiang Tianyu and by Hetero Labs Limited in India.
- Carcinogenic substances — The two dangerous materials found in the Valsartan products were N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). These chemicals have been linked to cancers of the liver, pancreas, kidney, stomach and bladder.
If you’re unsure if the medication in your home is safe, don’t take chances. Check the label and get the information you need. So far, contamination has not been identified in the name-brand version of this drug, Diovan, which is made by Novartis.
Winning a substantial verdict or settlement in a case stemming from defective drugs requires an attorney who knows how to create the strongest possible case using relevant scientific and factual evidence, along with expert testimony.
Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban advocates for individuals who have been harmed by tainted Valsartan and other defective drugs. Please call (855) 435-7247 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys. We have offices in the Carolinas and Virginia.
