The two generic versions distributed by Accuretic and Greenstone (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and quinapril HCl / hydrochlorothiazide tablets) are subject to recall.
The drug treats high blood pressure and increases the risk of potentially dangerous cardiovascular events such as stroke.
“There is no immediate risk to patients taking this drug,” Pfizer said in a news release, but the recall is voluntary and comes from tablets containing high levels of nitrosamines that pose a risk for cancer.
“Nitrosamines are common in water and foods such as salted and roasted meats, dairy products, and vegetables. Everyone is exposed to some degree of nitrosamines. These impurities are acceptable levels for people over the long term. Excessive exposure can increase the risk of cancer. Time. ”
Nitrosamines can be unintentionally introduced when certain chemical reactions are used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
The company said it was unaware of reports of side effects resulting from the use of the drug, adding that the product has a well-established safety profile for over 20 years, according to the release.
Distributors and wholesalers need to stop using and distributing and “immediately quarantine products,” the release said.
Pfizer recommended that patients taking medication consult their doctor about alternative treatment options.
High blood pressure is a serious problem. According to a 2021 study, the number of people over the age of 30 in this condition has doubled in the last 30 years.