Recall Alert:
By Debbie Lord, (Cox Media Group National Content Desk)
A second pharmaceutical company has recalled a blood pressure medication that could increase the risk of cancer if taken in large amounts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced last week.
Lupin Pharmaceuticals recalled four lots of the drug Quinapril, saying the medication has too much of an impurity called N-Nitroso-Quinapril.
The medication is used to treat hypertension — high blood pressure — and is packaged in 90-count bottles.
The medication is marked as:
- Quinapril Tablets USP, 20mg | lot No. G102929 | expiration date of April 2023
- Quinapril Tablets USP, 40mg | lot Nos. G100533, G100534, G203071 | expiration dates of December 2022 and March 2024
Lupin stopped marketing the medication in September, according to the FDA.
While the medication has been recalled, patients taking Quinapril Tablets USP, 20mg, and 40mg, are advised to continue taking their medication and contact their pharmacist, physician, or medical provider for advice regarding an alternative treatment.
Lupin is the second company to recall Quinapril. Aurobindo Pharma recalled two lots of Quinapril in October. The company noted the same nitrosamine impurity.
According to the FDA, while nitrosamines are common, the levels in the drug, combined with taking the medication over a long period of time, can increase the risk of developing cancer.
There have been no reports of anyone becoming ill from the drug.
The FDA advises anyone with questions on the recall to call Inmar Rx Solutions at 877-538-8445, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday. For reimbursements, the medication must be returned to Inmar Rx Solutions Inc.
