⚠️ Over 580,000 Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled for Cancer-Causing Chemical
Blood Pressure Medication Recalled: Teva Pharmaceuticals has voluntarily recalled more than half a million bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules — a popular medication used to treat high blood pressure — after U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing revealed elevated levels of a potentially cancer-causing impurity.
Over 580,000 Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled for Cancer-Causing Chemical
New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of 580,844 bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride Capsules USP in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses.
The FDA’s enforcement report confirmed that the medication contained levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C — a nitrosamine compound linked to cancer — that were above acceptable intake limits.
The recall was initiated on October 7, 2025, and officially classified by the FDA as a Class II recall on October 24, meaning the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, and the probability of serious harm is remote.”
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💊 About the Medication
Prazosin, also known under the brand name Minipress, is an alpha-blocker commonly prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
It is also sometimes used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related nightmares, according to the National Institutes of Health.
The drug works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
⚠️ Potential Risk
While the FDA emphasized that the likelihood of serious adverse effects is low, long-term exposure to high levels of nitrosamines may increase the risk of developing cancer.
Teva’s Health Hazard Assessment rated the overall risk as “medium” within the affected patient population.
As of this week, Teva said it has not received any “relevant complaints” or reports of adverse events related to the recalled medication.
🧾 Blood Pressure Medication Recalled Details
| Strength | Bottles Recalled | Lot Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | 181,659 | Selected lots only |
| 2 mg | 291,512 | Selected lots only |
| 5 mg | 107,673 | Selected lots only |
| Total | ≈ 580,844 bottles | Nationwide distribution |
A full list of affected lot numbers is available through the FDA’s recall database and Teva’s customer notifications.
📞 What Patients Should Do
Teva has advised patients to:
- Contact their pharmacy to check if their prescription is part of the recall.
- Speak with their healthcare provider before stopping or switching medication.
- Follow return instructions provided in Teva’s official recall letters.
In its statement, Teva said, “We prioritize patient safety and product quality at every stage of a medicine’s lifecycle.” The company also noted that alternative treatments for hypertension are widely available.
Context
This recall follows several recent FDA actions involving medications contaminated with nitrosamine impurities — including certain cholesterol-lowering drugs earlier this month.
Health experts stress that recalls like this are precautionary measures to maintain drug safety and public confidence.
Bottom Line
- Medication: Prazosin Hydrochloride Capsules (1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg)
- Company: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
- Reason: Elevated levels of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C (cancer-linked compound)
- Recall Type: Class II (medium risk)
- Bottles Recalled: Over 580,000
- Action for Patients: Contact pharmacist or doctor before making changes
