What VALSARTAN Is Used For?
Valsartan is an active ingredient in many generic medications, including medications used to treat hypertension, heart failure, left ventricular heart failure and left ventricular cardiac dysfunction after a myocardial infarction.
Valsartan is also prescribed in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to treat hypertension.
HOW VALSARTAN WORKS?
The full extent of the potential side effects and injuries due to impurities within valsartan are currently being investigated. The NDMA and other carcinogens within valsartan are rapidly absorbed in the upper part of the small intestine and carried to the liver in the portal blood supply. The liver can effectively metabolize and clear small amounts of NDMA, leaving very little to interact with other organs. Therefore, the liver is must susceptible organ to experience side effects from contaminated valsartan. The side effects of long-term exposure to valsartan is not currently well understood. Our valsartan attorneys are currently filing lawsuits for those who have experienced the follow side effects or injuries:
- Stomach cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Bowel cancer
- Liver failure
SYMPTOMS & SIDE EFFECTS OF VALSARTAN
Short-term exposure to NDMA can cause liver damage, while long-term exposure can also reduce platelet counts in the blood. The long-term ingestion of NDMA can lead to an increase in the appearance of tumors in the liver, kidneys or lungs, according to the results of animal studies cited by the EPA.
Potential symptoms of overexposure to NDMA include:
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- Headache
- fever
- Sickness
- jaundice
- vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Expanded liver
- dizziness
- Reduced function of the liver, kidneys and lungs.
Valsartan NDMA can also cause or worsen the symptoms of kidney failure, including weight gain and swelling of the hands, feet or ankles. Toxins can also increase potassium levels in the blood, which can be problematic for patients with heart or kidney problems.
Latest VALSARTAN News & Recalls
In May 2018, the European Medicines Agency announced its discovery that there was a potentially dangerous impurity in valsartan-based medicines from Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals, a Chinese manufacturer of medicines.
In July 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the withdrawal of several types of generic valsartan, noting that the manufacturing process of these drugs causes the formation of impurities, including a substance known as N-nitrosodimethylamine. (NDMA), which would probably increase. The risk of cancer in animals and humans. NDMA is an organic chemical that is toxic and carcinogenic, especially when mixed with water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the safety limit for human ingestion of NDMA is 96 nanograms. The FDA’s investigation of contaminated valsartan batches shows that tablets recalled exceeded safety levels.
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Specific versions of Valsartan and Valsartan HCTZ may include contaminated ingredients, exposing patients to an increased risk of cancer and other serious adverse effects.
Lawsuits & Settlements
In April 2016, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication that warned of the increased risk of heart failure in patients taking Onglyza, Kombiglyze XR, Nesina, Kazano, and Oseni.
Following that announcement, almost one hundred lawsuits were filed on behalf of patients taking Onglyza and Kombiglyze XR. These cases have been compiled in a multi-district litigation (MDL) in Kentucky and are currently pending.
Legal Assistance
The recalled Valsartan was manufactured by the following companies:
- Major Pharmaceuticals
- Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. dba Solco Healthcare LLC
- Teva Pharmaceuticals USA
- Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited
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Certain lots of Valsartan have been recalled, and the list continues to grow. If you are concerned that your medication was contaminated, you can compare your prescription to determine if it was recalled.
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM
Did you Receive a Valsartan Recall Letter?
If you or a loved one received a Valsartan recall letter and was diagnosed with cancer, contact us.
Lawyers expect that thousands of patients will ultimately come forward with injuries to file claims. As is often the case with drug injury lawsuits, cases may eventually be consolidated in a central federal court for expedited handling.
A lawyer can speak with you today to determine if your case qualifies, and it costs nothing to investigate or file your claim unless you receive compensation.