Pfizer Voluntarily Recalls Blood Pressure Medications

Pfizer warned its customers about the potential for elevated levels of a carcinogen in some lots of Accuretic, quinapril, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Testing of the drugs found a higher than acceptable level of nitrosamine. Everyone is exposed to nitrosamines in meats, dairy products, and other foods, but the FDA has ruled that they have to be kept below a certain level. People have to be exposed to the impurities at high levels for an extended period of time in order to develop cancer from them. Patients using these drugs should consult their doctor or pharmacy to find out if they have an affected batch.