LitPRO
Valsartan is an antihypertensive drug widely prescribed to control high blood pressure and heart failure. Evidence shows that Valsartan may also reduce the risk of death following a heart attack. As of 2022, the drug had been prescribed for more than 1.5 million Americans.
In 2018, the FDA discovered that some batches of Valsartan were contaminated with a probable human carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Investigators found that NDMA was not intentionally added to the drug but resulted inadvertently due to a change in the manufacturing process. Later in 2018, the first lawsuits were filed against multiple Valsartan manufacturers and companies that distributed or repackaged the drug.
Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers did not warn consumers of the potential for injury, failed to provide adequate labeling or Black Box warnings on the product packaging, and failed to test the product for contamination. Those who have been diagnosed with cancer (and possibly other related conditions) are suing for compensation. Many Valsartan users who have not been diagnosed with cancer are seeking compensation for the costs of medical monitoring.