This past July, The US Food and Drug Administration opened up an investigation that revealed certain medications containing the blood pressure drug valsartan were poisoned with a chemical called NDMA.
NMDA, or N-nitrosodimethylamine, is seen as a carcinogen by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Discovering this toxic organic chemical in valsartan has sparked an all-encompassing investigation into the entire ARB, angiotensin II receptor blockers, class to determine if any other drugs within this drug class contain the carcinogen.
Five companies that package the drugs containing valsartan have recalled them, and the FDA states that more products may need to be recalled depending on the results of the upcoming investigation. However, not all forms of drugs containing valsartan are on the recall list. There are a number of drugs that are not affected (link is below).
If you take valsartan and are concerned about it, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research has a toll-free number- (855)-543-3784 or email at druginfo@fda.hhs.gov.
Before making any changes to your medication regimen, it is imperative that you talk to your doctor first. The FDA also recommends taking the drug until your doctor prescribes a replacement. “The key with this is, patients should not stop taking their medication abruptly, that definitely can be harmful,” Dr. Mary Ann Bauman, a representative for the American Heart Association. “You don’t want to jump to any conclusions on your own about this medication, or any medication for that matter. Definitely talk with your doctor first.”
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM615704.pdf
https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/30/health/fda-valsartan-investigation-recall-bn/index.html