The US FDA: Multiple pharmaceutical companies recall over 580,000 bottles of blood pressure medication contaminated with carcinogens.

On October 31st, local time, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that multiple pharmaceutical companies are recalling over 580,000 bottles of the antihypertensive drug valsartan contaminated with carcinogens. The FDA stated that Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Mylan Pharmaceuticals have initiated a voluntary nationwide recall earlier this month. The drug is used to dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and is also commonly used to treat nightmares and sleep problems caused by post-traumatic stress disorder. The FDA announced that some batches of the drug may contain nitrosamine impurities, a potential carcinogen formed during the manufacturing or storage process of the drug. The regulatory agency has classified this recall as a "Class II" recall event.