Valsartan

Many drug companies voluntarily recalled their high blood-pressure medications in July 2018 after the FDA found a possible cancer-causing chemical in the drug valsartan. After the recall, Losartan and Irbesartan- similar blood pressure medications- have also tested positive for these carcinogens.

Valsartan is a generic blood pressure medication. The contamination was discovered during random testing which found nitrosamine, a chemical that causes tumors on the organs of animals and which is carcinogenic in humans as well. It likely resulted from improper monitoring during the manufacturing process. The FDA is especially concerned because even small amounts of this chemical have the potential to cause harm. Because valsartan was one of the leading treatments for hypertension in America, thousands have likely been affected by the contamination.

When the generic version of valsartan entered the market in 2012 manufacturers entered into a highly lucrative market. The unfortunate reality is that this is just another example of a company cutting corners to skimp on manufacturing costs to maximize its profit. As it always goes, consumers suffered as a result. While the FDA recall prevents more people from suffering these negative effects, for many the recall was issued too late.

It has become increasingly clear that most of the Valsartan had significant impurities in them for years, and was hardly an isolated contamination. Evidence increasingly shows that U.S. companies knew of the impurities and turned a blind eye.

Valsartan Lawsuits

The first suit was initiated in New York against manufacturers selling generic valsartan-containing drugs. Ever since the drug has been the focus of multiple recalls and class action lawsuits. Patients that suffered the negative effects of these drugs claim that the manufacturers willfully disregarded safety procedures expected of those in their field. Had they followed them the contamination would have been identified much earlier on as opposed to years later. Common claims in recent suits include that the drug had a manufacturing defect as well as improper labeling which failed to disclose of the drug’s risks.

Possible side effects include:

• Stomach cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Bowel cancer
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Lowered white blood cell count
• Angioedema
• Birth defects for pregnant women

These side effects are still being researched. There may be more that have yet to be discovered.

Can I File a Valsartan Lawsuit?

If you were prescribed valsartan, Losartan, Irbesartan and were afterwards diagnosed with cancer you may be eligible. If your suit is successful you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, past and future medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, funeral expenses, and any other costs associated with the injury.

We can Help

If you are eligible contact our experienced team of valsartan attorneys today for a free consultation. Current litigation is not a class action, but instead a mass tort suit. This means that each plaintiff sues separately. You are going up against wealthy drug companies who will hire attorneys to fight your claim. We have the resources and experience to combat them and get you the money you deserve. Those who hire an attorney see much more in settlement money. Don’t let a large pharmaceutical company take advantage of you.

When a pharmaceutical company fails to keep a defective drug off the market or fails to disclose of the risks associated with the drug, it may be held liable for patient’s injuries. We have secured over $100 million in settlements for our clients and we want to help. At Altman & Altman LLP, we have an experienced team of attorneys ready to defend your rights. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – including nights and weekends. To schedule a Free Initial Consultation with one of our Valsartan attorneys, call us at 617.492.3000 or Contact Us Online. All consultations are completely confidential. You will be charged no fee unless we recover money on your behalf.