Pfizer Recalls Blood Pressure Drugs Including Accuretic for Cancer Risk Due to Nitrosamine
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer has announced a recall of batches of several blood pressure medications due to elevated levels of nitrosamine, a compound that is linked to an increase in the risk of cancer.
Pfizer Recalls Multiple Lots of Blood Pressure Medication Tablets
In March 2022 Pfizer announced a voluntary recall of six lots of Accuretic tables, four lots of quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and one lot of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. The company stated that the levels of nitrosamine in the tablets were higher than the acceptable daily intake.
Although nitrosamines are commonly found in water, cured or grilled meats, vegetables, and dairy products, people may have an increased risk of cancer if they consume nitrosamines above an acceptable level over an extended period of time.
In September 2021, Pfizer had to recall all lots of its smoking cessation drug Chantix also due to high levels of nitrosamine in the medication. Consumers are advised to consult with their health care providers before discontinuing any of the recalled medicines or starting an alternative treatment, as discontinuing use of high blood pressure medication, even if recalled, can cause more harm in the short term than continuing to take the medication.
Pfizer says that any consumers who have been prescribed any of the affected medications should contact their doctor or pharmacy to confirm if they have tablets from any of the recalled lots. The company is also accepting returns of recalled tablets and offering customers refunds for the cost.
Liability for Dangerous Drugs
A pharmaceutical manufacturer may have liability when patients are harmed by dangerous drugs. Injured people may be entitled to bring a product liability case against a pharmaceutical company if their drug is unreasonably dangerous, such as having unsafe levels of toxic compounds, or if the pharmaceutical company fails to warn consumers about the risks of adverse effects of taking the drug.
What Compensation Can You Recover If You Have Been Harmed by Dangerous Drugs
If you believe that you have been harmed after taking a dangerous or defective drug, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses that you have incurred due to injury or illness, including for:
- Expenses for medical treatment and rehabilitation for any physical injuries or effects caused by a dangerous medication
- Costs of long-term care for permanent disabilities
- Loss of wages or income if you cannot work after being temporarily or permanently impaired or disabled
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life due to disabilities
- Reduced life expectancy
Families of patients who pass away because of dangerous pharmaceutical drugs may also be entitled to recover compensation in a wrongful death action for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of a loved one’s financial contributions and services to the household
- Loss of a loved one’s companionship, society, affection, advice, and guidance
Proving liability in a defective drug case can be incredibly complex, often requiring expert testimony to establish a medical link between a drug and the harm suffered by patients who took the drug. This makes speaking with an injury lawyer incredibly important.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Near You to Discuss Your Defective Medication Case in New Jersey
Were you or a loved one injured in New Jersey due to a defective prescription? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Drazin and Warshaw, P.C. represent clients injured in Middlesex, Edison, Perth Amboy, Westfield, New Brunswick, and throughout Ocean County, Monmouth County, Union County, and Middlesex County, New Jersey. Call (732) 576-8860 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 3315 Route 35, Hazlet, NJ 07730 as well as offices in Red Bank, Brick, and Westfield.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
