580,000 bottles of a blood pressure drug recalled over cancer risk, FDA says

"The Federal Drug Administration said drugmakers have recalled more than 580,000 bottles of a blood pressure medication over concerns that it may include a cancer-causing chemical. New Jersey-based drugmaker Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and drug distributor Amerisource Health Services issued voluntary nationwide recalls earlier this month of over half a million bottles of various strengths of prazosine capsules, according to the FDA. The capsule drug, known as prazosin hydrochloride, comes in 1 mg, 2 mg and 5 mg doses."

"It helps relax blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and is sometimes prescribed for nightmares and other sleep disturbances caused by post-traumatic stress disorder. In its recall orders posted on its website, the FDA said it has classified the affected lots of the recalled drug as a Class II risk because some of the medication may have nitrosamine impurities that are considered potentially carcinogenic. The chemicals can form when a drug is manufactured or stored, according to the agency."

The FDA reported recalls of more than 580,000 bottles of prazosin hydrochloride capsules due to concerns about a potential carcinogenic impurity. New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and distributor Amerisource Health Services issued voluntary nationwide recalls of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg strengths. Prazosin relaxes blood vessels and is sometimes prescribed for nightmares and sleep disturbances associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. The recalled lots were classified as Class II risk because some medication may contain nitrosamine impurities. Nitrosamines are considered potentially carcinogenic and can form during drug manufacture or storage. The recalls were posted on the FDA website, and Teva did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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