If you read nothing else:
- More than 580,000 bottles of prazosin have been recalled.
- The drug may contain nitrosamine impurities — chemicals linked to cancer risk.
- Teva Pharmaceuticals and Amerisource Health Services issued the voluntary recall.
- Patients should not stop taking prazosin abruptly without consulting their doctor.
If you take prazosin for high blood pressure, you might want to check your medicine cabinet.
According to a report from HealthDay, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a major recall involving more than 580,000 bottles of the blood pressure drug prazosin hydrochloride. The concern? Possible contamination with nitrosamines, a class of chemicals that, over time or at high exposure levels, may increase the risk of cancer.
The voluntary recall was initiated by Teva Pharmaceuticals and Amerisource Health Services, which distributed the capsules nationwide. The affected doses include 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg versions under the Teva label and 5 mg under Amerisource’s label.
Nitrosamines can form during manufacturing or leach from certain types of packaging, according to the FDA. The agency classified this as a Class II recall, meaning the risk of serious harm is considered low but not zero.
Prazosin is primarily used to treat hypertension by relaxing blood vessels and improving circulation. It’s also sometimes prescribed “off-label” for conditions like PTSD-related nightmares or prostate issues in men.
The FDA urges patients not to stop taking prazosin suddenly, since doing so can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure. Instead, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to confirm whether your prescription is part of the recall and to discuss alternative medications if needed.
For the latest details and specific lot numbers, visit the FDA’s official drug recall page.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before making any changes to prescribed medications.
