Valsartan Cancer Lawsuits in Boston: What You Need to Know

Published in Product Liability on January 5, 2022

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Valsartan is a drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. In 2018, the FDA discovered that some versions of Valsartan were contaminated, possibly leading to an increased risk of cancer for those that took this drug.

If you’ve taken Valsartan and are suffering from any type of cancer, you should contact a personal injury lawyer right away. You may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries as part of a mass tort case.

What is Valsartan?

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). This drug was commonly prescribed by doctors to people with hypertension, heart attacks, or other blood pressure problems. Valsartan increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

In 2018, some impurities were discovered in some versions of Valsartan, prompting the FDA to issue a recall for some of these medications.

What Caused the Valsartan Recall?

Some versions of Valsartan were contaminated with nitrosamine impurities, such as N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), and N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA). According to the FDA website, NDMA and NDEA are probable human carcinogens.

The contamination was discovered in 2018, leading to the recall. However, only certain medications that contain Valsartan are being recalled.

To find out if your medication has been recalled, you’ll need the following information:

Manufacturer or labeler name
National drug code
Lot number
Active ingredients

Visit the FDA ARB recall page to search for your medication and determine whether it has been recalled. If it has been recalled, you should contact your pharmacist and doctor to determine whether you can receive a replacement medication that has not been contaminated. The FDA recommends continuing to take your current medication until your doctor or pharmacist provides you with a different treatment option.

What Are the Risks for People Who Took Valsartan?

Repeated exposure to Valsartan that was contaminated with NDMA may result in an increased risk of certain types of cancers. The exact risk is not known and may depend on the level of contamination and how many doses a person consumed.

One study observed an increased risk of colorectal cancer and uterine cancer in those who were exposed to NDMA. However, there may be an increased risk of other cancers or other types of health issues as well.

Contact a personal injury lawyer if you have taken Valsartan and experienced any of the following health issues:

Colorectal cancer
Leukemia
Pancreatic cancer
Liver cancer
Uterine cancer
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Other gastrointestinal issues
Other diseases of the liver or kidneys

If you have experienced any of these health issues related to Valsartan, you may be able to seek compensation as part of a product liability lawsuit.

Valsartan Product Liability Lawsuits

There are two main legal theories for a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturers of Valsartan. First, they may be sued for manufacturing or designing a defective product. These claims generally use a strict liability legal standard, which does not require a finding of negligence by the manufacturer.

The second theory of liability is for failing to adequately warn consumers of the risk of taking Valsartan. While all drugs involve some risks and side effects, these risks must be disclosed to consumers so that they can make an informed choice.

If you or a loved one suffered health problems due to Valsartan, you may be able to seek compensation for many types of expenses, including:

Medical bills
Lost wages for time missed at work
Pain and suffering
Out-of-pocket costs
Loss of consortium or companionship if a loved one passed away

You may need to file a lawsuit against multiple defendants who were involved in the design, manufacturing, or sale of Valsartan. You shouldn’t delay taking legal action because the statute of limitations only gives injured parties a limited time to file a lawsuit related to Valsartan.

To learn more, contact a products liability lawyer to determine if you have a right to seek compensation for injuries related to Valsartan.

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