Pfizer recalls 3 levels of a heart and blood pressure medication for carcinogen content

David J. Neal
·2 min read

Pfizer recalled five lots of Accupril blood pressure and heart medication after testing found they might bring N-nitroso-quinapril above the FDA’s acceptable daily intake levels.

If this sounds familiar, Pfizer made a similar recall of brand name and generic blood pressure drugs in March.

READ MORE: Pfizer’s recall of brand name and generic blood pressure drugs for carcinogen content.

Here’s what you need to know.

What blood pressure drugs did Pfizer recall this time?

Accupril in three strengths and 90-count bottles:

▪ 10 mg, lot No. DR9639, expiration 2023 MAR 31;

A bottle of 10 mg strength Accupril
A bottle of 10 mg strength Accupril

▪ 20 mg, lot Nos. DX8682, expiration 2023 MAR 31, and DG1188, expiration 2022 MAY 31;

A bottle of 20 mg strength Accupril
A bottle of 20 mg strength Accupril

▪ 40 mg, lot Nos. DX6031, expiration 2023 MAR 31, CK6260, expiration 2022 MAY 31.

A bottle of Accupril in 40 mg strength
A bottle of Accupril in 40 mg strength

The Pfizer-written, FDA-posted recall notice says Accupril is used for “the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure” and “the management of heart failure as adjunctive therapy when added to conventional therapy including diuretics and/or digitalis.”

Why are these blood pressure drugs being recalled?

Their nitrosamine, N-nitroso-quinapril, is above the FDA’s accepted daily intake level.

While the recall notice notes nitrosamine is common in water and foods, it also admits, “These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.”

What should you do now?

First off, relax. Having the recalled tablets doesn’t mean you’re getting cancer tomorrow, next week or next month. But, they are being recalled, so consult with your healthcare provider on another treatment.

If you’re a consumer/patient taking them, call Sedgwick at 888-345-0481, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern time. Sedgwick will tell you how to return your tablets for a refund. If you have the recalled tablets as a distributor or wholesaler, stop distribution to the next level, call your customers to recall the tablets from them, then call Sedgwick to arrange the return.

If this or any drug causes a problem, after notifying a medical professional, let the FDA know via its MedWatch Adverse Event page or by filling out a form you can get by calling 800-332-1088. Only then do you notify the drug company.

Medical professionals with questions can call Pfizer at 800-438-1985, option No. 3, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or connect with the company online.

Medical professionals who want to report an adverse event, choose the above number, option No. 1, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.