Blood Pressure Medication Recall 2025: Over 580,000 Bottles Pulled Over Cancer Risk

 Blood Pressure Medication Recalled Nationwide Over Cancerous Chemical

A major recall has been issued affecting more than half a million bottles of a commonly prescribed blood pressure drug, after tests found dangerous levels of a cancer‑causing chemical. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies the recall as “Class II,” meaning the risk is moderate — not negligible, but unlikely to cause immediate serious harm. FOX 2 Detroit

Blood Pressure Medication Recall 2025

This recall raises important questions for patients: Which drug is affected? What chemical was found? What should you do if you take it? Below, we break down everything you need to know.

What Drug Is Recalled — And WhyThe Drug: Prazosin Hydrochloride Capsules

The drug at the center of the recall is prazosin hydrochloride. This medication is often prescribed for high blood pressure (hypertension), but it’s also used in some cases to help with PTSD‑related nightmares or sleep disturbances. The way prazosin works is by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and lowers pressure. FOX 2 Detroit.

The manufacturer behind the recall is Teva Pharmaceuticals, in coordination with its distributor Amerisource Health Services. The recall covers various strengths of the drug — 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg capsule bottles. FOX 2 Detroit+2Health+2

The Problem: Nitrosamine Contamination

The FDA flagged these drug batches because they tested positive for nitrosamine impurities, specifically “N‑nitroso Prazosin impurity C.” Nitrosamines are a class of chemicals known to be potentially carcinogenic (cancer‑causing) when exposure is above safety limits. Health+2EatingWell+2

These impurities can arise during manufacturing, storage, or chemical reactions in the drug production chain. In this case, the detected levels exceeded the FDA’s accepted standards for safety. EatingWell+1

Scope of the Recall

Number of Bottles Impacted

In total, over 580,000 bottles of prazosin hydrochloride capsules are included in the recall. The breakdown by strength is approximately:

• ~181,659 bottles of 1 mg

• ~291,512 bottles of 2 mg

• ~107,673 bottles of 5 mg AP News+3FOX 2 Detroit+3EatingWell+3

Some bottles may contain up to 1,000 capsules each — meaning the volume of the drug in circulation is significant. EatingWell

Risk Level: Class II Recall

The FDA has labeled this as a Class II recall. What does that mean?

• It indicates that use or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.

• The probability of serious harmful effects is considered remote. FOX 2 Detroit+2AP News+2

In short: it’s a serious recall, but not a declaration of immediate danger. Still, it’s not something to ignore.
What Patients Should Know & Do

First — Don’t Stop Abruptly

One of the most important cautions: do not stop taking your medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. For people with high blood pressure, sudden withdrawal can lead to dangerous spikes or complications.

Next — Check Your Medication

If you are using or have used prazosin hydrochloride:

1. Check the strength and lot number on your pill bottle or package, comparing it to the recall notice (your pharmacist or doctor can help with this).

2. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider to see if your lot is affected and to discuss safe alternatives.

3. Return or discard the recalled medication under guidance, following FDA or pharmacy instructions.

Seek Medical Advice

If you experience any unusual symptoms, side effects, or health changes and suspect they might be related to your medicine, reach out to your physician immediately.

Why This Matters: Health & Trust in Medication

Cancer Risk from Nitrosamines

Nitrosamine impurities have been a recurring concern in pharmaceuticals. While a small exposure might not immediately cause harm, long-term or elevated exposure can raise cancer risk. For that reason, the FDA tightly controls acceptable limits.

Broader Implications for Drug Safety

This recall isn't just about one drug — it’s a reminder of the complexities involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control. Similar recalls over the years (for example, with valsartan and other blood pressure drugs) have shown that contaminants can slip into supply chains. Wikipedia

For patients, this means vigilance is key: verifying medication authenticity, checking for recalls, and maintaining an open line of communication with healthcare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How serious is a Class II recall — should I panic?

A: No need to panic. A Class II recall indicates a moderate risk — certain risks exist, but immediate dangerous effects are not anticipated for most people. The focus is on removing potentially unsafe batches before they cause harm.

Q: Will I get cancer if I used one of the recalled bottles?

A: Not necessarily. The recall is precautionary. The detected chemical is linked to cancer risk, but risk depends on dose, duration, and individual factors. Use of a recalled batch does not guarantee cancer or negative outcomes, but it’s important to err on the side of safety.

Q: Can I switch to another blood pressure drug?

A: Yes — but only under your doctor’s supervision. Your physician can recommend a suitable alternative that manages your blood pressure without exposing you to the contaminated supply.

Q: What if I’m outside the U.S.?

A: The recall is issued by the U.S. FDA. If you're in another country, check with your local regulatory authority or pharmacy. However, global pharmaceutical supply chains are interconnected, so awareness is important everywhere.

Putting this Recall in Context

This recall is not the first time medications for blood pressure or heart disease have been pulled back over carcinogenic impurities. In 2018, various batches of valsartan (a different hypertension drug) were recalled after contamination with NDMA, another nitrosamine. Wikipedia

These incidents underscore a persistent challenge: manufacturing purity, supply chain oversight, and rigorous chemical screening are vital. Even trusted medications can carry hidden risks if quality checks fail.

What Comes Next & What to Watch For

• Regulators and manufacturers will likely expand testing for other potentially affected meds.

• Patients, clinicians, and pharmacies should remain alert for updates, new recalls, or further guidance.

• Medical providers might recommend changes in monitoring or alternative prescriptions for those affected.

• Updates from the FDA will clarify disposal methods, replacement drug options, and patient support systems.

Why This News Is So Important

1. Patient Safety: Medication is meant to heal, not introduce new risks. A recall at this scale demands attention from patients and providers alike.

2. Public Awareness: Many people trust pharmacies and doctors implicitly. Recalling over 580,000 bottles reveals that vigilance is needed even in regulated environments.

3. Preventive Action: The sooner people find out they might have a contaminated supply, the sooner they can switch to a safe alternative — reducing potential exposure.

4. Trust & Transparency: Recalls like this test the strength of regulatory frameworks. Public trust hinges on how openly and promptly health organizations communicate risks.