FDA recalls blood pressure medicine over cancerous chemical
More than half a million bottles blood pressure The drugs are being recalled due to a cancer-causing chemical linked to the prescription drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Parsippany, New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA issued a voluntary recall on Oct. 7 for some prazosin hydrochloride capsules it distributes, and the FDA classified it as a Class II risk level on Friday, Oct. 24.
The drug was approved by the FDA to treat high blood pressure, but was sometimes prescribed off-label to help manage symptoms. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially nightmares and sleep problems. The medication works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
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According to FDAA Class II risk is a situation where “use of or exposure to a violating product is likely to cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
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Nurse Haley Delgado (left) measures Maria Hernandez’s blood pressure at the Community Medical Center Health and Resource Fair at Banner Island Ballpark in downtown Stockton, California, on August 9, 2025.
risk classification Information from the federal agency states that the recalled drug may contain nitrosamine impurities, also called “N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C.” The FDA has stated that exposure to the product may cause serious health risks.
Here’s what you need to know about the recall, including how many bottles are being recalled.
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An elderly patient’s blood pressure is being measured by a nurse.
Which blood pressure medication is being recalled?
Recall covers more than 580,000 people prazosin hydrochloride Capsules distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
The prescription affects:
-
1 mg capsule: 181,659 bottles
-
2 mg capsule: 291,512 bottles
-
5 mg capsule: 107,673 bottles
Bottles can contain between 100 and 1,000 capsules, according to the FDA.
For more information on Code Information and recall lot number, visit FDA’s Enforcement Report. Here.
What should people do with recalled drugs?
Neither Teva nor the FDA has issued guidance on what to do with this situation. recalled tablets.
But according to GoodRxIn the event of a drug recall, anyone affected is advised to check the batch number of their medication, contact their pharmacist and prescriber, and discard the recalled medication.
USA TODAY reached out to Teva.
Contributed by USA TODAY’s James Powel.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior correspondent for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Blood pressure medication recalled due to cancer risk
