Valsartan is a drug that’s commonly used to control blood pressure and to treat certain forms of kidney disease and heart failure.
The primary contaminant in Valsartan, NDMA, has been shown in clinical testing to possibly cause cancer and damage to the liver. Those test results are based on animal studies but there have been many cases of people being lethally poisoned when given very small doses of NDMA.
Some batches have been found to contain a very dangerous contaminant, N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which led to a “voluntary” recall by several manufacturers.
NDMA is sometimes called DMN in research studies. Nitroso-Dimethyl-Amine. The only proven effects of NDMA, in humans, is liver toxicity and is a “probable” carcinogen.
Note: Not all brands and batches of Valsartan are under recall, so you need to find out from your doctor and/or pharmacist about the specifics of the type of Valsartan you’re currently taking.
What Side Effects Does Valsartan Have?
As for side effects, the suspected contaminant in some Valsartan tablets is a known carcinogen that caused multiple medical problems, mostly associated with the liver.
Other studies have confirmed the potential for any drug that contains NDMA to cause a whole host of physical problems, including:
- Liver cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Severe headaches and fevers
- Vomiting, nausea, and jaundice
- Enlargement of the liver
- Debilitating dizziness
- Impaired liver function
- Severe abdominal cramps
Obviously, one of the side effects is cancer in any part of the body.
What Type Cancer Does Valsartan Cause?
Cancer, a potentially lethal condition that causes more than 8 million worldwide deaths each year and is a side effect of Valsartan.
Even experts can’t say what types of cancer might result in Valsartan use. Lab studies, as of now are all animal-based, have shown significant liver toxicity problems resulting from the contaminant that was found in many batches of the drug.
The ADRs, or adverse drug reactions, are all linked generally to “cancer” and “liver damage”.
In any case, plaintiffs are including a laundry list of liver problems and listed side-effects (in more severe forms) in lawsuits.
Is Valsartan Recalled?
Yes, several of the drug’s manufacturers have voluntarily recalled the drug as soon as they discovered that multiple batches were possibly contaminated with NDMA.
But it’s important to note that not all batches were recalled, and not every manufacturer took part in the voluntary recall.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that Valsartan is a component of many other drugs which have not been recalled and which are not, tainted with the contaminant.
For updates and the latest information on the Valsartan recalls click here: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-and-press-announcements-angiotensin-ii-receptor-blocker-arb-recalls-valsartan-losartan
Is There a Valsartan Lawsuit?
There is not just one Valsartan cancer lawsuit, but many.
The drug’s primary manufacturer, as well as dozens of sellers, are targets of Valsartan cancer lawsuit actions and are still underway.
This is not the time for “do it yourself” problem-solving. It’s a complex legal situation that calls for expert help in order to get the right result.
Lawyers at Raipher, P.C. are investigating cases for patients who have taken the prescription drug Valsartan and have subsequently been diagnosed with cancer. If you or a loved one has received such a diagnosis after taking Valsartan, please contact Raipher, P.C. as soon as possible to consult with an experienced attorney about your options and see if you are eligible for compensation.
What Should You Do If You Have Side Effects?
If you’re having side effects of any kind, it is wise to contact a Valsartan lawyer and discuss a plan forward and receive the best settlement for you from the drug’s manufacturer.
Please note: Doctors advise that you not stop taking the drug until you can find out specifically whether the brand or source batch is one that is possibly contaminated.
Fortunately, there are several Valsartan substitutes that can control the very conditions that Valsartan was designed to deal with.
If you used Valsartan and have any of the common side effects, waiting is not an option. An experienced lawyer can collect all the pertinent information and build a case for you.
Anyone taking Valsartan should speak with their health care professional and find out if the brand and batch of the drug they’re taking contains the possible contaminant.
Many products contain a form of Valsartan that are not contaminated and put you at no risk whatsoever. So, the first thing you should do is have a talk with your doctor and pharmacist. From there, Raipher P.C.’s experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are well-versed in the details of a Valsartan lawsuit and are here to help you.
