Losartan was recalled because of a carcinogenic chemical impurity known as N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), which is a byproduct of the drug manufacturing process.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals announced an initial recall on December 20 after finding NDEA in 2 lots of the active ingredient manufactured by Hetero Labs Limited.

On January 3, Torrent announced an expanded recall covering 12 lots of the dug.

The recall involves Lorsartan Potassium Tablets, USP, in 100-mg, 50-mg and 25-mg strengths. They were sold and in bottles of 30, 90, and 1,000 count, with expiration dates ranging from 04/2019 through 05/2021.

Losartan is a generic version of the blood pressure medication Cozaar®, and because it is meant to be taken every day, a carcinogenic impurity could potentially raise a user’s risk of cancer.

NDEA is a byproduct of industrial processes that is listed as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Problems with NDEA impurities have also been linked to the blood pressure drugs irbesartan and valsartan.

Source: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited Expands Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Losartan Potassium Tablets, USP

Posted by Daily Hornet

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10 Comments

  1. losartan is the generic for hyzaar , so what about this one

    1. Maybe… FDA said the voluntarily recall applies to 100mg/25mg tablets of Hyzaar containing losartan, with the lot number JB8912. Sandoz distributed the affected lot nationally on or after Oct. 8, 2018.

  2. Was the HCTZ version of Lorsatan part of the recall?

  3. Denise Holley April 5, 2019 at 9:45 am

    I have been taken this medication for years Losartan Pot 50mg tab(COZAAR) forgetfulness is what I been feeling from taking this medication I had no idea it caused cancer I will stop taking this medication as of 04/04/2019 what should I do next. Help anyone

    1. In January I asked my doctor to switch me to something else. I am now on Norvasc. I called Heritage who is the distributor for this drug and they don’t have any information to share. They do want you to send back the drug for a refund. I am greatly concerned about getting cancer from this.

    2. how do you know its from taking this medication. I’m getting forgetfulness too, but I’m getting old.

  4. Stopped Losartin and stayed on the other blood pressure med and my blood pressure went down. damage had been done to me resulting in bad results from tests. is there a class action for this.

  5. Interesting. I finally got a letter from my mail order pharmacy that mine were the affected lots, but I’ve taken them for years and this continues.
    I wonder if this has anything to do with my seesawing liver function tests?
    I’m pretty concerned and upset. The manufacturers idea of “doing something” was to ask for the medicine back–they would send me a mailer! Seriously?!

  6. I have been taking for years I will speak with my doctor and I will check with Walgreen tomorrow for I have not heard until this moment

  7. I just started taking this drug. On a daily basis. I have a tumor in my bi-cept being removed on August 14th, 2020. For the past four days, I been having charlie horses on my whole lift side, that’s when I decided to look up this drug to see its side effects and read this recall. Which has me very concerned. It is 6 am come around 8 am i am calling my Doctor.

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