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Valsartan Lawsuit

Guardian Legal Network is not currently processing claims for this lawsuit.

Valsartan

The blood pressure medication, Valsartan, has been linked to severe side effects such as cancer. Studies show that Valsartan was contaminated with a potential carcinogen called NDMA. Valsartan cases are actively being investigated on behalf of individuals who took blood pressure drugs containing valsartan and then developed cancer. 

If you are one someone who has developed cancer due to Valsartan, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The Guardian Legal Network wants to help people like you who have been wronged by negligent pharmaceutical companies. We can connect you with an experienced lawyer who will use the full extent of the law to fight for your legal rights.

What is Valsartan?

Valsartan is an active ingredient in many generic medications used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, hypertension, left ventricular heart dysfunction, and heart failure. It has also been used to treat individuals after a heart attack to prolong their lives. When used to treat high blood pressure, Valsartan is often prescribed to be used in conjunction with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Valsartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and works by relaxing the blood vessels to allow more blood flow. By lowering blood pressure, the drug helps prevent strokes, kidney problems, and heart attacks.

Valsartan Recall

In 2018, the European Medicines Agency found that a dangerous impurity had contaminated Valsartan. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall for numerous types of generic Valsartan in July 2018. The manufacturing process of Valsartan caused the drug to become contaminated by N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance is linked to an increase in the risk of cancer in humans and animals.

NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine), an organic chemical, is both carcinogenic and toxic. The FDA states that the maximum amount of NDMA safe for human consumption is only 96 nanograms. When the FDA examined contaminated lots of Valsartan, the amount of NDMA was over 96 nanograms. It was then concluded that Valsartan might cause an increased risk of cancer, along with other dangerous side effects.

Pharmaceutical Companies Involved

The FDA has issued several recalls of Valsartan. These recalls have impacted batches distributed by several pharmaceutical companies and re-packagers. Among these are:

  • Actavis
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Major Pharmaceuticals
  • Solco Healthcare
  • AvKARE
  • A-5 Medication Solutions LLC
  • RemedyRepack
  • J. Harkins Company, Inc.
  • Bryant Ranch Prepack, Inc.
  • Lake Erie Medical, dba Quality Care Products LLC
  • Proficient Rx
  • NuCare Pharmaceuticals

Valsartan Research From the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has estimated that as many as 3.7 million individuals each year were prescribed drugs containing Valsartan between 2015 and 2018. Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, states that the FDA has “carefully assessed the Valsartan-containing medications sold in the United States, and we’ve found that the Valsartan sold by these specific companies does not meet our safety standards. This is why we’ve asked these companies to take immediate action to protect patients.” The United States has joined with 22 other countries in taking action involving Valsartan.

The press releases distributed by the FDA link the contamination to an error in the manufacturing process. The FDA notes that “the presence of NDMA [in Valsartan] was unexpected and is thought to be related to changes in the way the active substance was manufactured.” The FDA has launched a comprehensive, full-scale investigation regarding the safety of the recalled product. In May 2019, the FDA posted laboratory tests showing NDMA levels in recalled Valsartan medications.

Over 19,000 severe reports have been received through the FDA’s online adverse events reporting system. This number includes more than 2,800 deaths relating to Valsartan use dating back to 2009. Anyone taking drugs containing Valsartan should immediately contact his or her healthcare provider to discuss this serious issue. According to the FDA, patients are cautioned not to stop taking valsartan medications without seeking advice from their doctor first. Abruptly stopping the drug could cause harmful health effects.

Since the Valsartan 2018 recalls, the FDA has regularly updated the list of recalled Valsartan medicines. Patients can use the FDA’s search list to find specific blood pressure medications that have been affected by the recall.

Common Valsartan Side Effects

The following is a list of common side effects that may occur and may subside without further medical treatment:

  • Sinusitis
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Cold symptoms
  • Upper respiratory infection
  • Flu symptoms
  • Difficulty moving
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Lightheadedness
  • Muscle pain or stiffness
  • Joint pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Back pain
  • Swelling
  • Itching or skin rash

Serious Side Effects of Valsartan

Not every person who is administered Valsartan has the same reaction. Some people do not have serious side effects; however, an individual must monitor their bodies for any signs of major symptoms. Serious Valsartan side effects include:

  • Chest pain
  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Palpitations
  • Muscle weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased thirst
  • Cold sweats
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Sudden trouble breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling, generally around eyes and lips
  • Signs of NDMA Exposure

Exposure to NDMA short-term can result in liver damage, while long-term exposure may lower platelet counts in the blood. Ingesting the NDMA long-term may increase the occurrence of tumors in the kidneys, liver, or lungs. This was discovered during animal studies noted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Valsartan contaminated with NDMA may cause or increase kidney impairment symptoms, including weight gain and swelling of the feet, hands, or ankles. The toxins can also raise potassium levels in the blood, causing severe issues for individuals with kidney or heart conditions.

Cancer Risks Involving Valsartan Blood Pressure Medications

While Valsartan is often prescribed to combat high blood pressure, this class of drugs has been linked to increased cancer risk and has been recalled by the FDA. Legal representatives are currently investigating cases against the manufacturers of Valsartan. Defective drug attorneys are gathering information and evidence for possible lawsuits regarding cancer cases.

Filing a Valsartan Lawsuit

If Valsartan caused you to develop cancer, you might be eligible to sue the manufacturer for selling a defective drug. You can also file a wrongful death lawsuit if you lost a loved one due to Valsartan’s fatal side effects. A Valsartan lawsuit can result in financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages. 

To file a successful claim, you should find a lawyer experienced in handling dangerous drug lawsuits. Your Valsartan lawyer will help you build a strong case to hold the drug manufacturer responsible for their negligence. Filing a Valsartan lawsuit involves proving the following claims:

  1. The drug was used as intended by the manufacturer.
  2. The drug was taken correctly and not changed in any way.
  3. The drug’s contamination caused cancer.
  4. The drug was defectively marketed, designed, or manufactured.

In most dangerous drug cases, you are not required to prove that the drug manufacturer was guilty of negligence. Due to strict liability laws, a drug manufacturer can be held liable for your injuries even if they knew about the medication’s harmful side effects.

Are You Looking to File a Valsartan Lawsuit?

You may be hesitant to take legal action against Valsartan’s manufacturers, but there is strong evidence in your favor. The above information shows that the FDA has found a link between Valsartan and life-threatening side effects. If you or a loved one has taken a medication containing Valsartan, there is a great chance that exposure to a carcinogen has already occurred.

Pharmaceutical companies that have made millions of dollars in profit while producing dangerous medications should be held accountable for their actions. An experienced attorney with a history of handling dangerous drug cases will help you file a lawsuit and guide you through the complex legal process. 

To connect with a Valsartan lawyer, contact The Guardian Legal Network. We help victims of negligent pharmaceutical companies find qualified legal representation.

Fill out an online contact form or give us a call at (855) 967-0725 today.

Guardian Legal Network is not currently processing claims for this lawsuit.

References

Please seek the advice of a medical professional before making health care decisions. The content provided on this site, such as documents, text, graphics, images, videos, or other materials, are for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition or for any questions you may have regarding a health concern. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this site.

 
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