Batches of Blood Pressure Drug Adulterated With Cancer-Causing Chemicals
If doctors diagnose you or a loved one with cancer or other serious health issues after taking the blood pressure drug Valsartan, you may recover compensation.
Lawsuit Legal News is dedicated to providing the public with information and resources about potentially dangerous products like Valsartan so that consumers can make informed decisions about their health, their finances, and their future.
If you don’t know how Valsartan can adversely affect your health or think you may file a Valsartan cancer lawsuit, read on to understand the risks associated with taking Valsartan and what lawyers from our network are doing to help patients who this drug may have seriously harmed.
Don't wait any longer, call 866-535-9515 or submit your case for review today!
Table of Content
What Is Valsartan and What Makes It Dangerous?
Valsartan is a medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which work by relaxing blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.
However, this widely used medication has been linked to severe side effects due to contamination with carcinogens.
The dangers associated with Valsartan stem from contamination with two potent probable carcinogens: NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) and NDEA (N-nitrosodiethylamine). These chemicals were discovered in various batches of Valsartan, raising alarm among health professionals and patients alike.
Investigators traced the contamination to manufacturing processes at China’s Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, a major producer of Valsartan. Changes in their production methods led to the formation of NDMA and NDEA as byproducts, contaminating the medication.
The manufacturer’s lack of oversight in quality control has resulted in widespread recalls and legal actions, including a growing number of Valsartan cancer lawsuits.
Types of Cancer Linked to Valsartan
One of the most concerning side effects of Valsartan is its potential link to cancer. Numerous studies and reports have identified various cancers that may be associated with prolonged use of contaminated Valsartan.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly reported cancers linked to Valsartan. Symptoms include blood in the urine, painful urination, and frequent urination. The presence of NDMA in Valsartan is believed to contribute significantly to the development of this cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and persistent abdominal discomfort. The carcinogenic nature of NDMA and NDEA has been strongly linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer in patients taking Valsartan.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma, can develop after prolonged exposure to carcinogens such as those found in contaminated Valsartan. Symptoms often include blood in the urine, back pain, and weight loss. The kidneys are particularly vulnerable due to their role in filtering toxins from the body.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is another serious condition linked to Valsartan. Symptoms may include jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. NDMA, a known liver toxin, is especially harmful, contributing to the risk of liver cancer.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer symptoms often include indigestion, stomach pain, and a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts. Contaminated Valsartan has been implicated in increasing the risk of developing stomach cancer due to the presence of carcinogens that directly impact the digestive system.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This cancer affects the lymphatic system, a crucial part of the body's immune defense. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats. Research has suggested a connection between Valsartan's carcinogens and an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages and often has a poor prognosis. Symptoms may include jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain. The carcinogens in Valsartan are suspected to play a role in the development of this aggressive cancer.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and there is concern that Valsartan could contribute to its onset. Symptoms often include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and pelvic discomfort. The link between Valsartan's contaminants and prostate cancer is an area of ongoing research.
Other Serious Side Effects
While cancer is the most severe risk associated with Valsartan, other side effects can also occur, affecting various aspects of health.
Liver Injury
Beyond liver cancer, contaminated Valsartan can cause liver injury, manifesting as jaundice, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes. The liver's role in processing toxins makes it particularly susceptible to damage from carcinogenic contaminants.
Kidney Damage
Kidney damage is another potential side effect of taking Valsartan. Symptoms may include decreased urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, and fatigue. Long-term kidney damage can lead to chronic kidney disease, requiring dialysis or a transplant.
Respiratory Issues
Valsartan has been linked to respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough, and chest pain. These symptoms may result from the body's reaction to the toxins in contaminated Valsartan.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Patients taking Valsartan have reported gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These issues can be particularly distressing and may lead to further complications if not addressed.
FDA Response and Recalls
The FDA initiated a series of Valsartan recalls starting in 2018, including various brand-name and generic drugs containing potentially contaminated Valsartan.
Valsartan is an active ingredient in various brand-name and generic medications (such as Diofan and Exforge) used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
These recalls targeted specific lots of Valsartan that were found to contain NDMA and NDEA. The FDA has since increased its oversight of ARB medications, but the damage caused by contaminated Valsartan has already affected countless lives.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Affected?
If you or a loved one has taken Valsartan and experienced any of these side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have already been diagnosed with a serious health condition linked to the use of adulterated Valsartan, Lawsuit Legal News can connect you to a knowledgeable Valsartan cancer lawyer who is familiar with the drug and the adverse effects it can have on your health.
We are committed to helping consumers harmed by dangerous products that were supposed to help them. Our team of Valsartan cancer lawyers will guide your case through all the legal complexities, advocate for your rights, and fight for your maximum compensation.
Call Lawsuit Legal News Today
Contact Lawsuit Legal News today for a free, no-obligation consultation and take the first step toward justice. You can reach us by calling (866) 535-9515 or filling out our online contact form. There is no pressure and no obligation, just an honest and compassionate determination to help you through this challenge so that you can focus on your recovery.