A blood pressure medication is being recalled due to its apparent risk of causing cancer.
Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. initiated a voluntary recall for four lots of Quinapril tablets after recent testing of pills had revealed the presence of a nitrosamine impurity above the acceptable daily intake (ADI) level.
Quinapril tablet USP is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension is commonly associated with excessive weight gain or obesity, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. Dallas-Fort Worth is ranked as one of the most obese metro areas in the country, according to a recent study.
The recall applies to one lot of 20-milligram medication and three lots of medications of 40 milligrams.
Lupin discontinued the marketing of Quinapril tablets in September 2022.
N-Nitroso-Quinapril is a type of nitrosamine that is present as an impurity in some drugs. Nitrosamines are created from chemical reactions and can form in drugs during the manufacturing process.
These chemicals are scientifically called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), and N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA).
They also exist in low levels in water and foods such as cured meats, grilled meats, vegetables, and dairy products.
Nitrosamines are a group of compounds that can damage DNA, with some being able to increase the risk of cancer if someone has been exposed to above-acceptable levels over long periods of time, according to the FDA.
Pfizer issued a voluntary recall for five lots of Accupril tablets (Quinapril HCl) for similar contamination discovered in testing in April. This drug was also used to treat blood pressure.
Lupin has received no reports of illnesses occurring due to the medication.
Patients taking Quinapril Tablets USP (20mg and 40mg), however, are advised to continue taking their medication and contact medical professionals for advice on alternative treatment, according to Lupin’s announcement.
Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Lupin Limited and is the 3rd largest pharmaceutical company in the U.S.
Lupin is notifying its distributors to arrange the return of all medication in the recalled product lots.
