Don’t Panic: Blood Pressure Drug Recall Raises Concerns — Here’s What to Do

Since 2018, a growing number of blood pressure medications have been recalled, often due to contamination with nitrosamines, which are considered potential carcinogens that can cause cancer. 

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has flagged another recall involving more than 175,000 bottles of a common blood pressure drug.

The recall involves prazosin hydrochloride capsules, a medication used to treat high blood pressure. Officials say the risk to patients is low and linked to long-term exposure, according to reports. But the recall still raises concerns for people who rely on the drug to treat high blood pressure.

What you should do now

Health experts say patients should not panic or stop taking their medication without medical guidance. Patients should stay informed, follow guidance from their doctors and continue managing their health day to day.

Here’s what you should do now:

• Check your prescription bottle and compare it with recall information
• Continue taking your medication unless your doctor tells you to stop
• Contact your pharmacist or provider if you have questions
• Use this moment to review your blood pressure plan

High blood pressure is defined as a reading of 130/80 or higher, or the use of medication to control it.

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Doctors also recommend focusing on daily habits that support heart health. That includes eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress and keeping regular appointments with your care team.

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Details of the recall

The recall was initiated March 27 and includes 175,061 bottles of one-milligram, two-milligram and five-milligram doses of prazosin hydrochloride capsules. According to a report from The Healthy, the recall was triggered after testing found nitrosamine levels above acceptable limits.

The medication was manufactured by Appco Pharma LLC and distributed by Biocon Pharma Inc. The FDA classified the recall as a Class II event. That means the product is unlikely to cause serious health problems, but prolonged exposure still poses a potential risk.

Nitrosamines are chemicals that can increase cancer risk over time. They have been linked to several drug recalls in recent years.

Why this matters for your health

In the United States, high blood pressure remains a major health concern, with nearly half of U.S. adults having hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The condition disproportionately affects Black Americans. About 58% of non-Hispanic Black adults have high blood pressure, compared with lower rates in other groups.

In 2023, more than 660,000 deaths were linked to high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause, according to reporting cited by The Healthy.

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Monitoring your blood pressure at home

Experts, including guidance from the Mayo Clinic, say home monitoring can play a key role in managing blood pressure.

Checking your numbers regularly can help you and your doctor understand how well your treatment is working. It can also catch problems early, especially for people who do not visit a doctor often.

Home monitoring may also encourage healthier habits. Patients who track their blood pressure are often more likely to stick to medications, improve their diet and stay active.

It is important to use a validated monitor and follow instructions carefully to get accurate readings.