25 batches of blood pressure pills recalled by health chiefs ‘because they contain an impurity that may cause cancer’

Health chiefs have announced that 25 batches of high blood pressure pills have been recalled over fears they may cause cancer.

The affected medicines contain irbesartan, used to treat high blood pressure and prescribed to millions of people in the UK every year.

The medicines are all contaminated with a chemical impurity, which regulators warn may ‘increase the risk of cancer over time’.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of medication used in the UK, said the move was ‘precautionary’.

The medicines watchdog said there was ‘no evidence’ that the chemical impurity has caused any harm to patients, urging Britons not to stop taking the affected drugs without consulting their GP first, warning that abruptly ending the treatment can be risky.

Chief safety officer of the MHRA, Dr Alison Cave, said “Patient safety is at the heart of what we do.  We’re recalling batches of certain sartan-containing products as a precautionary measure while we continue our investigation.

“It’s important that healthcare professionals check their stock to quarantine and return these batches.  If you’ve been taking one of the affected products, continue to take your medicine.  Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before stopping any treatment, they can address any concerns and can advise you on the best course of action.

“Previous recalls of these types of products in 2018, 2019 and June 2021 are part of an ongoing investigation.  The MHRA is working with other medicine regulators on this issue.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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