Losartan

Losartan is a widely prescribed medication in the United States. Losartan’s ability to lower blood pressure makes it an attractive choice to battle against heart disease. The drug blocks angiotensin II, a hormone which plays a role in regulating blood pressure, from binding to certain receptors within the body. The decreased impact of angiotensin II allows blood vessels to widen, decreasing blood pressure. The drug has been widely prescribed and was generally considered one of the cornerstone drugs in promoting cardiovascular health. However, the prolific use of the medication is now the basis of a growing alarm; namely, the discovery of cancer-causing agents within the medication.

The first Losartan recall occurred in 2018, after the FDA found that some generic versions of Losartan contained impurities, including the cancer-causing substance N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Subsequent testing discovered two other carcinogens, N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), within Losartan tablets. The origination of the impurities was unknown at this time—only that the drug contained chemicals which were not introduced, nor intended to be included, into the medication.

The first recall was issued by Sandoz Inc in November of 2018. It discovered NDEA in a large batch of the medication. A few months later, Torrent Pharmaceuticals issued a similar recall after also finding trace amounts of the same carcinogen in its finished product. Two additional recalls followed; although this time, NMBA was the impurity found in the drug. Both Camber Pharmaceuticals and Legacy Pharmaceutical issued substantial recalls after the discovery.

On the heels of a slew of recalls, the FDA, in cooperation with several pharmaceutical companies that produce Losartan, undertook a major investigation into the presence of the carcinogenic compounds in the drug. In fairly short order, the FDA reported that it had isolated several chemical reactions central to the manufacturing process of the drug’s active pharmaceutical ingredients that have the potential to create the identified carcinogenic substances. In short, the manner in which some manufacturers were producing the drug resulted in the creation of impurities, including the carcinogenic substances which forced the recall.

There is a growing concern in the medical and scientific community that prolonged use of a medication that contains one or more of the dangerous substances—particularly NDEA—will cause cancer in a large number of patients. Presently, Neumann Law Group is consulting with potential clients who have developed cancer after prolonged use of Losartan in preparation for a major lawsuit that could be brought against the drug companies that introduced the medication to the populous. If you, or a loved one, was prescribed Losartan and subsequently developed cancer, contact the experienced dangerous drug attorneys at Neumann Law Group for a free consultation today.