Teva Pharmaceuticals Recalls Blood Pressure Medication Due to Cancer-Causing Chemical

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, based in Parsippany, New Jersey, has issued a voluntary recall of over 580,000 bottles of prazosin hydrochloride capsules, a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure. The recall was initiated on October 7, 2025, after testing revealed the presence of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a nitrosamine compound linked to cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as a Class II risk on October 24, indicating that exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, although the probability of serious adverse effects is considered remote.

New York PostUSA TodayBlood pressure medication recalled due to cancerous chemicalNBC Chicago - WMAQFDA recalls more than 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medicine after finding cancer-causing impurityBottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled

The recall encompasses three dosages of prazosin hydrochloride capsules: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg. Specifically, the recall includes:

FDA recalls more than 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medicine after finding cancer-causing impurity

• 181,659 bottles of 1 mg capsules

Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled

• 291,512 bottles of 2 mg capsules

Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled

• 107,673 bottles of 5 mg capsules

Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled

Each bottle may contain between 100 and 1,000 capsules. The FDA has not provided specific disposal instructions for the recalled medication, but patients are advised to consult their pharmacists or healthcare providers regarding the next steps.

FDA recalls more than 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medicine after finding cancer-causing impurity

The presence of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C in the recalled capsules raises significant health concerns. Nitrosamines are classified as possible human carcinogens, and long-term exposure could increase cancer risk. While no illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall, the FDA has urged patients and healthcare providers to review the lot numbers of the affected products.

FDA recalls more than 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medicine after finding cancer-causing impurity

Teva Pharmaceuticals has stated that the recall was initiated in coordination with the FDA and emphasized that they have not received any complaints related to the product. The company encourages patients to contact their pharmacies and healthcare providers for guidance on alternative treatments.

FDA recalls more than 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medicine after finding cancer-causing impurity

While the recall has been classified as a Class II risk, some health advocates express concern over the potential long-term implications of nitrosamine exposure. Critics argue that the pharmaceutical industry must enhance safety measures to prevent such occurrences, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing protocols to ensure patient safety.

Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled

There is currently no consensus on the specific health risks associated with the levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C found in the recalled capsules. While the FDA has classified the recall as a Class II risk, some sources suggest that the potential for serious health consequences, although remote, should not be underestimated.

Blood pressure medication recalled due to cancerous chemical

• “This recall has been initiated in coordination with the FDA and to date Teva has not received any relevant complaints related to this product,” — Teva Pharmaceuticals USA

New York Post

This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of pharmaceuticals and the importance of vigilant monitoring by both manufacturers and regulatory agencies.

FDA recalls more than 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medicine after finding cancer-causing impurity