Pfizer Inc. is currently recalling a blood pressure drug because of heightened levels of a potentially cancer causing impurity – nitrosamine.  While nitrosamines are common, heightened exposure over an extended period of time has been shown to increase the risk of cancer.

1. Which Pfizer blood pressure medications have been recalled?

On March 21, 2022, Pfizer recalled the following high blood pressure medications:

1. Accuretic (brand name, six lots, distributed by Pfizer);
2. quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide (generic, one lot, distributed by Greenstone); and
3. quinapril HCl/ hydrochlorothiazide (generic, four lots, distributed by Greenstone).

The recalled lots were distributed between November 2019 and March 2022. Below is more detailed information about which specific lots have been recalled.

1.1. Recalled Accuretic

Accuretic™ (quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide) tablets (distributed by Pfizer – 1 x 90 count bottles)
NDC	Lot Number	Expiration Date	Strength
0071-0220-23	CN0640	04/2022	20/12.5 mg
0071-0220-23	EA6665	04/2022	20/12.5 mg
0071-0222-23	EA6686	04/2022	10/12.5 mg
0071-0223-23	ET6974	02/2023	20/25 mg
0071-3112-23	FG5379	08/2024	10/12.5 mg
0071-5212-23	FG5381	08/2024	20/12.5 mg

1.2. Recalled quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide and quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide

quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide tablets and quinapril HCl/hydrochlorothiazide tablets (distributed by Greenstone – 1 x 90 count bottles)
NDC	Lot Number	Expiration Date	Strength
59762-0220-1	DN6931	03/2023	20/12.5 mg
59762-0220-1	ED3904	03/2023	20/12.5 mg
59762-0220-1	ED3905	03/2023	20/12.5 mg
59762-0223-1	DP3414	02/2023	20/25 mg
59762-5225-9	FE3714	02/2023	20/25 mg1

2. Why is Accuretic being recalled?

Accuretic and its generics are being recalled by Pfizer because they contain unacceptable levels of N-nitroso-quinapril, a nitrosamine. Nitrosamines are impurities that can potentially cause cancer.

3. Why should I do if I am taking Accuretic?

If you are currently taking Accuretic or its generics, contact your physician right away to discuss alternative hypertension medications. There are many available medications that help reduce the risk of strokes, myocardial infarctions, and other cardiovascular events. Also ask your physician if you should be screened for cancer. And be sure to save your bottles of the recalled medications. They can serve as evidence if you file suit.

Finally, contact Ferrell & Brown to discuss your legal options.