Pfizer is voluntarily recalling several lots of Accuretic (quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide) due to elevated levels of nitrosamine, a carcinogenic compound, according to USA Today.
Accuretic is a prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure. It contains quinapril, an ACE inhibitor, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic.
Pfizer said in a statement that it is recalling six lots of Accuretic pills that it distributed because the level of nitrosamine was above the acceptable daily intake.
In the recall notice, the company said nitrosamines are commonly found in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products, and vegetables.
“Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines,” it said. “These impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time.”
Pfizer said it is “not aware of reports of adverse events that have been assessed to be related to this recall.”
“Although long-term ingestion of N-nitroso-quinapril may be associated with a potential increased cancer risk in humans, there is no immediate risk to patients taking this medication,” the company added.
Experts advise patients to consult with their doctors before discontinuing recalled Accuretic pills or finding an alternative treatment. Stopping a recalled drug could cause more harm than staying on the medication.
Patients who are taking one of the affected products should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacy to determine if they have the affected product, according to Pfizer.
In June 2021, Pfizer announced a global suspension of the distribution of Chantix after it was tested for impurities, making it difficult for smokers who want to buy the drug to quit smoking.
Chantix (varenicline) is a smoking cessation aid that helps reduce craving for and decrease the pleasurable effects of nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products.
At the time, Pfizer’s internal testing showed unacceptable levels of nitrosamines in several Chantix lots, prompting the company to cease the global distribution of the drug.
