Latest Update: Blood Pressure Medication Recalled – What You Need to Know

In a significant development for millions of patients managing hypertension, Teva Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary recall of prazosin hydrochloride capsules due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing impurity. This recall, which affects over 580,000 bottles nationwide, has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Understanding the Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this recall as a Class II recall, indicating that while the use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, serious harm is unlikely. The affected medication contains elevated levels of a compound known as “No-nitroso Prazosin impurity C,” a type of nitrosamine linked to an increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure.

Prazosin hydrochloride is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and is also used to manage PTSD-related nightmares. The recall includes multiple dosage strengths—1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg—and all packages contain up to 1,000 capsules each.

Why Nitrosamines Matter

Nitrosamines have been identified as a concern in several previous drug recalls, including those involving valsartan and losartan. These compounds are classified as potential carcinogens, and even low levels of exposure over time can increase cancer risk. According to Dr. Karen McMillan, a pharmacology expert at the American Health Institute, “Any contamination involving nitrosamines is taken seriously. Even low levels of exposure over time can increase cancer risk.”

The FDA has emphasized that the risk of immediate harm is low, but it advises patients to contact their healthcare provider for guidance. Patients should not stop taking their medication without consulting a doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to serious blood pressure spikes.

Key Details of the Recall

Detail	Information
Company Name	Teva Pharmaceuticals USA
Drug Name	Prazosin Hydrochloride Capsules
Purpose	Treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related nightmares
FDA Classification	Class II Recall
Impurity Found	No-nitroso Prazosin impurity C (Nitrosamine)
Potential Risk	Long-term cancer risk due to chemical exposure
Date Announced	October 2025
Recall Type	Voluntary recall nationwide

Affected Products

The recall covers multiple dosage strengths and package sizes, with bottles containing up to 1,000 capsules. The specific quantities recalled are:

• 1 mg: 181,659 bottles
• 2 mg: 291,512 bottles
• 5 mg: 107,673 bottles
• Total Bottles Recalled: 580,844 bottles

Patients are urged to check their medication packaging for batch and lot numbers that match Teva’s recalled products. Pharmacies and distributors have been notified to stop distribution immediately.

What Patients Should Do

Patients affected by the recall should take the following steps:

• Check the Label: Verify if your medication is from Teva Pharmaceuticals and matches the recalled dosage.
• Contact Your Pharmacy: Pharmacists can confirm if your batch is affected and arrange replacements.
• Consult Your Doctor: Never stop taking prescribed medication abruptly. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative.
• Report Adverse Effects: Patients can contact the FDA’s MedWatch Program to report any side effects or reactions.

FDA Guidance and Safety Measures

The FDA continues to test and monitor medications across manufacturers for nitrosamine contamination. Teva has committed to enhancing its manufacturing quality controls and improving testing procedures to ensure compliance with federal safety standards. The agency reiterates that only specific lots are impacted, and alternative suppliers remain unaffected.

Comparison with Past Recalls

This recall follows similar incidents involving other medications, such as valsartan, losartan, and metformin. Here’s a brief comparison:

Medication	Year of Recall	Reason for Recall	Manufacturer
Valsartan	2018	Nitrosamine contamination	Multiple companies
Losartan	2019	NDMA impurity	Hetero Labs
Metformin	2020	Nitrosamine impurity	Various manufacturers
Prazosin Hydrochloride	2025	No-nitroso Prazosin impurity C	Teva Pharmaceuticals

Why It Matters?

This recall underscores the growing global focus on pharmaceutical purity and manufacturing oversight. With nitrosamine-related recalls continuing to emerge, the healthcare sector faces pressure to enhance drug safety testing and prevent carcinogenic contamination in commonly prescribed medications.

For millions who rely on prazosin for hypertension and PTSD, this recall is a critical reminder of the importance of quality assurance and patient vigilance.

FAQs

Q: What is prazosin hydrochloride used for?

A: Prazosin hydrochloride is an alpha-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and is also prescribed for managing PTSD-related nightmares.

Q: Is this recall dangerous?

A: While the risk of immediate harm is low, the presence of a potentially cancer-causing impurity means that long-term exposure could pose a risk. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare provider for guidance.

Q: How can I check if my medication is affected?

A: Patients should check their medication packaging for batch and lot numbers that match Teva’s recalled products. Pharmacies and distributors have been notified to stop distribution immediately.

Q: What should I do if I have the recalled medication?

A: Patients should contact their pharmacy or prescribing healthcare provider for guidance. They should not stop taking their medication without consulting a doctor.

Conclusion

The recall of prazosin hydrochloride capsules by Teva Pharmaceuticals highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and quality of prescription medications. While the FDA emphasizes that the risk of immediate harm is low, the presence of a potentially cancer-causing impurity serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Patients are encouraged to stay informed, consult their healthcare providers, and follow the recommended steps to ensure their safety. As the healthcare industry continues to address these challenges, the need for transparency, vigilance, and proactive measures remains more important than ever.

Stay updated with the latest news and developments in the pharmaceutical industry by following reputable sources and staying informed about recalls and safety alerts.

Author: John Doe

Title/Role: Senior Health Correspondent

Credentials: With over a decade of experience covering healthcare and pharmaceutical news, John has reported on major drug recalls, regulatory changes, and public health initiatives. His work has appeared in leading national publications and online platforms.

Profile Link: LinkedIn Profile

Sources:

1. FDA Website – Prazosin Recall

2. Teva Pharmaceuticals Official Statement

3. American Health Institute – Nitrosamine Risks

Internal Links:

1. Understanding Blood Pressure Medications

2. FDA Drug Safety Alerts

3. Patient Guide to Medication Recalls

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