Expansion of recall of valsartan drugs to include additional lots, as a precaution
- Starting date:
- August 18, 2018
- Type of communication:
- Information Update
- Subcategory:
- Drugs
- Source of recall:
- Health Canada
- Issue:
- Important Safety Information
- Audience:
- General Public
- Identification number:
- RA-67552
Update – November 28, 2018
Mylan Valsartan products (40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, and 320 mg) are now being recalled after testing found low levels of thisan impurity, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) in the active pharmaceutical ingredient, which is manufactured by Mylan Laboratories Limited in India. Health Canada issued a notice about the Mylan-Valsartan recall on November 28, 2018, and has updated the list of recalled and NOT recalled valsartan products below.
The recall of Mylan-Valsartan products is in addition to an initial recall communicated on July 9, 2018, and an expanded recall (see the August 18 notice below) of certain valsartan products after a different impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), was found in the active ingredient. To date, issues have only been identified at those two sites; however, our analysis is ongoing.. For more information on this issue and what Health Canada is doing, see the list of related links at the bottom of this page.
Update – August 31, 2018
The list of valsartan products that are NOT recalled has been updated to provide corrected information for Diovan products, add an additional Mylan-Valsartan product, and add Entresto products. No additional products have been recalled.
Update – August 21, 2018
This advisory has been updated to clarify the list of products that are NOT being recalled by adding a new column to the table (Lot #), and adding Teva Canada and Pro Doc Ltée products that are NOT being recalled.
Original Advisory – August 18, 2018
August 18, 2018
OTTAWA – Health Canada is advising Canadians that, as a precautionary measure, Teva Canada is expanding its voluntary recall to include eight additional lots of valsartan products in Canada because they may contain an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
This latest action is further to an initial recall of certain valsartan products because of the presence of NDMA in the active ingredient (valsartan). All of the recalled products use a valsartan ingredient manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in China.
Products containing the valsartan ingredient from Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals
Health Canada is reviewing the long-term potential health impacts of the NDMA impurity on patients. NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen based primarily on animal studies, which means that exposure above acceptable levels over the long term could increase the risk of cancer. The review, which will be completed in the coming weeks, will include an assessment of how much NDMA patients may have been exposed to and for how long. Although Health Canada believes that the NDMA was introduced as a result of a change in manufacturing processes at Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals in 2012, some Canadian companies may have been using the affected valsartan active ingredient for less time.
The additional Teva Canada products are being recalled after sample testing of the active ingredient by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals identified trace levels of NDMA. Testing is ongoing. In the meantime, Health Canada has asked Teva Canada to recall these additional products as a precautionary measure, and to conduct a full investigation to determine the root cause of this most recent issue.
Health Canada is monitoring the recalls. The Department continues to work with the companies and its international regulatory partners to gather and assess information to determine whether additional actions are necessary. We will keep Canadians updated. This includes communicating the results of our health risk assessment once it is complete in the coming weeks.
A complete list of recalled products is provided below.
Products containing valsartan ingredient from other suppliers NOT impacted by the recall
Health Canada has contacted all companies selling valsartan medications in Canada and has confirmed that all of the products NOT being recalled:
- do not contain valsartan manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals, and
- were manufactured using different processes from the ones that have been identified as having introduced the impurity.
Health Canada continues to work with companies selling valsartan medications to determine whether their processes are at risk of producing NDMA.
Health Canada is also working with stakeholders to monitor the Canadian supply of valsartan products and alternative medications.
A complete list of products that are NOT recalled is provided below.
What you should do
Patients taking affected valsartan medications should:
- Continue taking their valsartan medication unless they have been advised to stop by their health care provider.
- Contact their health care provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment options if they have been using an affected product. Pharmacists may be able to provide a product not affected by the recall, or doctors may prescribe a different medication for their patients’ conditions.
- Ask their pharmacist if they are unsure whether they are using a recalled product.
Product name/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient | DIN | Strength | Lot # | Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Manufacturer | Date added |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MYLAN-VALSARTAN | 02383527 | 40 mg | All lots | Mylan Laboratories Limited | November 28, 2018 (Notice) |
MYLAN-VALSARTAN | 02383535 | 80 mg | All lots | Mylan Laboratories Limited | November 28, 2018 (Notice) |
MYLAN-VALSARTAN | 02383543 | 160 mg | All lots | Mylan Laboratories Limited | November 28, 2018 (Notice) |
MYLAN-VALSARTAN | 02383551 | 320 mg | All lots | Mylan Laboratories Limited | November 28, 2018 (Notice) |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02356996 | 80/12.5 mg | 35211136A | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357003 | 160/12.5 mg | 35211335A | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357003 | 160/12.5 mg | 35211844R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357011 | 160/25 mg | 35210937R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357011 | 160/25 mg | 35210938R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357011 | 160/25 mg | 35210939R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357011 | 160/25 mg | 35210940R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS | 02357038 | 320/12.5 mg | 35211546R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | August 17, 2018 |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ TABLETS PP 30s | 02357046 | 320/25 mg | 35212731R | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 40MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337487 | 40 mg | K47338 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 80MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337495 | 80 mg | K45370 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 80MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337495 | 80 mg | K47652 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 80MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337495 | 80 mg | K47653 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 80MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337495 | 80mg | K47654 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 160MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337509 | 160 mg | K39691 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 160MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337509 | 160 mg | K44167 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 160MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337509 | 160 mg | K47657 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 160MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337509 | 160 mg | K47658 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 320MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337517 | 320 mg | K44166 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
ACT-VALSARTAN 320MG FC TABLETS 100 | 02337517 | 320 mg | K45371 | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN 40 MG | 02356740 | 40 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN 80 MG | 02356759 | 80 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN 160 MG | 02356767 | 160 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN 320 MG | 02356775 | 320 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANIS VALSARTAN 40 MG | 02366940 | 40 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANIS VALSARTAN 80 MG | 02366959 | 80 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANIS VALSARTAN 160 MG | 02366967 | 160 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SANIS VALSARTAN 320 MG | 02366975 | 320 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 40 MG | 02367726 | 40 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 80 MG | 02367734 | 80 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 160 MG | 02367742 | 160 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
PRO DOC LIMITEE VALSARTAN 320 MG | 02367750 | 320 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 40 MG | 02384523 | 40 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 80 MG | 02384531 | 80 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 160 MG | 02384558 | 160 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICAL ULC VALSARTAN 320 MG | 02384566 | 320 mg | All lots | Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals | July 9, 2018 |
Product name/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient | DIN | Strength | Lot # |
---|---|---|---|
APO-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02382555 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
APO-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02382563 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN | 02414201 | 40 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN | 02414228 | 80 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN | 02414236 | 160 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN | 02414244 | 320 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN HCT | 02408112 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN HCT | 02408120 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN HCT | 02408139 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN HCT | 02408147 | 320/12.5 mg | All lots |
AURO-VALSARTAN HCT | 02408155 | 320/25 mg | All lots |
PMS-VALSARTAN | 02312999 | 40 mg | All lots |
PMS-VALSARTAN | 02313006 | 80 mg | All lots |
PMS-VALSARTAN | 02313014 | 160 mg | All lots |
PMS-VALSARTAN | 02344564 | 320 mg | All lots |
RAN-VALSARTAN | 02363062 | 40 mg | All lots |
RAN-VALSARTAN | 02363100 | 80 mg | All lots |
RAN-VALSARTAN | 02363119 | 160 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN | 02270528 | 40 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN | 02289504 | 320 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN | 02236809 | 160 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN | 02244782 | 160 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN | 02236808 | 80 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN | 02244781 | 80 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN HCT | 02241900 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN HCT | 02241901 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN HCT | 02246955 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN VALSARTAN HCT | 02308908 | 320 mg/12.5 mg | All lots |
DIOVAN HCT | 02308916 | 320 mg/25mg | All lots |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN HCT | 02356694 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN HCT | 02356708 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN HCT | 02356716 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN HCT | 02356724 | 320/12.5 mg | All lots |
SANDOZ VALSARTAN HCT | 02356732 | 320/25 mg | All lots |
SANIS VALSARTAN HCT | 02367009 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots |
SANIS VALSARTAN HCT | 02367017 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
SANIS VALSARTAN HCT | 02367025 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
SANIS VALSARTAN HCT | 02367033 | 320/12.5 mg | All lots |
SANIS VALSARTAN HCT | 02367041 | 320/25 mg | All lots |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC VALSARTAN HCT | 02384736 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC VALSARTAN HCT | 02384744 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC VALSARTAN HCT | 02384752 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC VALSARTAN HCT | 02384760 | 320/12.5 mg | All lots |
SIVEM PHARMACEUTICALS ULC VALSARTAN HCT | 02384779 | 320/25 mg | All lots |
TEVA-VALSARTAN | 02356643 | 40 mg | All lots |
TEVA-VALSARTAN | 02356651 | 80 mg | All lots |
TEVA-VALSARTAN | 02356678 | 160 mg | All lots |
TEVA-VALSARTAN | 02356686 | 320 mg | All lots |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02356996 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots except for the recalled lot 35211136A |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02357003 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots except for the recalled lots 35211335A and 35211844R- |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02357011 | 160/25 mg |
All lots except for the recalled lots 35210937R 35210938R 35210939R 35210940R |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02357038 | 320/12.5 mg | All lots except for the recalled lot 35211546R |
TEVA-VALSARTAN/HCTZ | 02357046 | 320/25 mg | All lots except for the recalled lot 35212731R |
PRO DOC VALSARTAN /HCTZ | 02367769 | 80/12.5 mg | All lots |
PRO DOC VALSARTAN /HCTZ | 02367777 | 160/12.5 mg | All lots |
PRO DOC VALSARTAN /HCTZ | 02367785 | 160/25 mg | All lots |
ENTRESTO | 02446928 | 26 mg | All lots |
ENTRESTO | 02446936 | 51 mg | All lots |
ENTRESTO | 02446944 | 103 mg | All lots |
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