January 8, 2024 | Product Liability
Millions of Americans have been prescribed the medication Valsartan to manage hypertension and heart failure, but many generic batches were tainted with probable carcinogens and linked to serious health risks.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking valsartan or affected by the valsartan recalls, you may be entitled to compensation. Valsartan lawsuits in Lexington, Kentucky, are incredibly complex as litigation surrounding the drug has been consolidated into a single federal court.
An experienced Lexington product liability lawyer at Minner Vines Moncus Injury Lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is Valsartan?
Valsartan is a common medication used to treat heart disease and high blood pressure. The drug works by improving blood flow and relaxing blood vessels. FDA-approved in 1996, it has been manufactured and sold under the brand name Diovan safely for years.
Valsartan Contamination and Safety Risks
Valsartan lawsuits are based on the use of the medication between the years 2012 and 2019. After the safety of the drug was initially questioned and it was linked to increased cancer risk, investigations found contamination in many formulations.
Lawsuits allege a cheap manufacturing process by multiple generic drug manufacturers, mostly in China and India, led to the formation of nitrosamines in the drug. The two most common valsartan contaminants are NDMA (N-nitrosodiethylamine) and NDEA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). Both are labeled probable human carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO).
The impurities were traced to the manufacturing process of Zhejiang Huahai, a major supplier of the drug’s active ingredient.
Health Risks and Cancer Associated with Contaminated Valsartan
Valsartan lawsuits allege that patients who took contaminated valsartan are at risk of a number of cancers, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Blood cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Lung cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Pharyngeal cancer
- Prostate cancer
Cancer caused by exposure to a carcinogen like a contaminated drug is more likely to cause cancer of multiple organs.
Patients have also reported other serious health effects, including low blood pressure, renal impairment, liver damage, and swelling of the throat, eyes, tongue, and legs.
Valsartan Recalls and Companies Involved: Did You Take Recalled Valsartan?
The FDA and manufacturers began recalling contaminated valsartan in July 2018. However, for many people who took the contaminated drug, the full health effects may not be obvious for many years.
Defendants in valsartan lawsuits include:
- Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd
- Hetero Drugs Limited
- Aurobindo Pharma Limited
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
- Other manufacturers
If you took generic valsartan between 2012 and 2019, you may be eligible to file a claim for damages against the manufacturer. A large share of all generic valsartan medication on the market during this time was contaminated. However, not all batches were contaminated.
You may have received a valsartan recall letter from your pharmacy or the drug manufacturer. However, many affected patients did not receive this notice because they were not taking the drug at the time it was recalled.
In 2019, the FDA approved a new generic valsartan to address shortages of the drug due to the recalls. This new generic drug is not subject to the contamination recall.
Keep Your Recalled Medication
If possible, keep your bottle of recalled medication. It can be tested for contaminants and used as evidence in your case.
You can also check if your medication was part of the recall by finding the lot number and manufacturer on your prescription bottle or the warning label. You can compare it to the list of FDA drug recalls of valsartan and other ARB blood pressure medications. If you do not have a lot number, the expiration date, dose, and other information may help you confirm a recall.
Recovering Compensation Through a Valsartan Lawsuit in Lexington, KY
Due to a growing Valsartan litigation, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) process was established. Most Valsartan cancer claims have been consolidated under the same court. Cases are still separate, unlike a class action, but they are heard in a single court. This ensures coordinated litigation, consistent rulings, and a streamlined legal process.
If you believe you have been harmed by contaminated valsartan, the manufacturer can be held strictly liable. Our personal injury attorneys will review your medical records and decide the best claim type. We will serve as your advocate through every step of your case, manage paperwork and legal deadlines, and negotiate on your behalf.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Lexington Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in a personal injury, please call Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 550-2900