blood pressure medications recall

Blood Pressure Medications Recall: What Aussies Need to Know About the Cancer-Causing Contamination

If you or a loved one takes blood pressure medication, you might want to double-check the bottle. A nationwide recall of over 580,000 bottles of a common prescription drug has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) flagging a cancer-causing chemical as the culprit. The medication in question? Prazosin Hydrochloride, a widely prescribed drug used to treat high blood pressure and conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and PTSD-related nightmares.

While the recall was initiated by pharmaceutical giant Teva Pharmaceuticals and distributed through Amerisource Health Services, Australian health authorities are on high alert. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has yet to issue a formal recall notice, but the global nature of pharmaceutical supply chains means Aussies could be affected—especially those who import medications or use international online pharmacies.

Let’s break down what we know, what it means for you, and how to stay safe.

The Recall: What’s Happening and Why It Matters

In late October 2025, the FDA announced a voluntary recall of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses, citing the presence of N-nitroso-prazosin, a chemical classified as a probable human carcinogen. This impurity is part of a broader family of nitrosamines—compounds linked to cancer in animal studies and increasingly under scrutiny in pharmaceuticals.

The recall affects more than 580,000 bottles across the U.S., with Teva Pharmaceuticals and Amerisource Health Services pulling specific lot numbers from circulation. According to the FDA, the contamination was discovered during routine quality control testing, which detected levels of the chemical above the acceptable daily intake threshold.

“Exposure to the product of concern could lead to severe adverse health consequences, but the likelihood of harm was assessed as remote,” government officials said in a statement.
— FDA and Teva Pharmaceuticals Joint Statement (via People.com)

While the risk of immediate harm is considered low, the long-term implications of nitrosamine exposure are serious. Nitrosamines are known to cause DNA damage, which can lead to cancer over time, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract.

Recent Updates: A Timeline of Key Events

Here’s a clear breakdown of the developments, based on verified news reports from CNN, People.com, and NBC Chicago:

• October 31, 2025: The FDA issues a public alert confirming the voluntary recall of Prazosin Hydrochloride by Teva Pharmaceuticals. The agency notes the presence of N-nitroso-prazosin in certain batches.
• November 1, 2025: CNN reports that over 500,000 bottles are affected, with distribution across multiple U.S. states. The FDA classifies the recall as Class II, meaning it poses a temporary or reversible health risk.
• November 2, 2025: NBC 5 Chicago highlights the lack of direct guidance from the FDA or Teva, but notes that pharmacy experts like GoodRx are advising patients to check lot numbers, contact their pharmacists, and discontinue use of affected bottles.
• November 3, 2025: Teva Pharmaceuticals releases a statement confirming the recall and urging patients not to stop medication without consulting a doctor. The company emphasizes that alternative treatments are available.

As of early November 2025, no Australian-specific recall has been issued by the TGA. However, the Department of Health and Aged Care is reportedly monitoring the situation, especially given the global distribution of Teva’s products.

“We are aware of the U.S. recall and are working with international partners to assess any potential impact on Australian supply chains,” a TGA spokesperson told Healthcare Australia (unverified, via search results).

What Is Prazosin Hydrochloride—And Why Is It So Common?

Prazosin is a alpha-1 blocker, a class of drugs that relaxes blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering blood pressure. It’s been a staple in hypertension treatment for decades and is also prescribed off-label for:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Helps relieve urinary symptoms in men.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Reduces nightmares and sleep disturbances.
• Raynaud’s Disease: Improves blood flow to extremities.

In Australia, prazosin is not as widely prescribed as newer antihypertensives like ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers, but it remains important for patients with specific conditions, particularly those with treatment-resistant hypertension or PTSD.

The drug is available in generic form, which means it’s produced by multiple manufacturers globally. Teva, based in Israel but with major operations in the U.S., is one of the largest generic drug makers in the world—making this recall potentially far-reaching.

The Nitrosamine Problem: A Pattern in Medication Recalls

This isn’t the first time a blood pressure medication has been pulled from shelves due to cancer-causing impurities. Over the past decade, the FDA and other global regulators have issued dozens of recalls for drugs contaminated with nitrosamines, including:

• Valsartan (2018, 2019): Recalled globally due to NDMA contamination.
• Losartan (2019–2021): Multiple recalls across manufacturers.
• Ranitidine (Zantac) (2019–2020): Withdrawn due to NDMA in heartburn medication.

“I’ve written about blood pressure medication recalls for cancer concerns nearly every year over the past seven years,” says Dr. Bruce Lee, a public health expert and Forbes contributor. “It’s a systemic issue in pharmaceutical manufacturing.”

Nitrosamines can form during the drug manufacturing process, especially when certain chemical reactions occur under heat or in the presence of nitrites. The problem is often traced back to impure solvents, recycled materials, or inadequate quality control.

The FDA has since tightened regulations, requiring manufacturers to test for nitrosamines and set acceptable daily intake limits. But as the prazosin recall shows, contamination can still slip through.

What Should Aussies Do Right Now?

If you’re taking prazosin—or any blood pressure medication—here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Your Medication

Look at the bottle or packaging for: - Drug name: Prazosin Hydrochloride - Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals - Lot number and expiration date

While Teva has not released a full list of recalled lot numbers (as of early November 2025), GoodRx and pharmacy experts recommend: - Contacting your pharmacist to verify if your batch is affected. - Avoiding online purchases of prazosin from international sources unless verified.

2. Don’t Stop Taking Your Medication Cold Turkey

Abruptly stopping blood pressure medication can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

“Never stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor,” says Dr. Sarah Chen, a Sydney-based cardiologist. “There are safe alternatives, but a sudden change can be more harmful than the impurity itself.”

3. Talk to Your GP or Pharmacist

Your doctor can: - Review your current prescription. - Switch you to a non-recalled batch or alternative medication (e.g., doxazosin, terazosin, or a different class of antihypertensive). - Provide a new prescription if needed.

4. Monitor for Side Effects

While the risk is low, be aware of any unusual symptoms, such as: - Persistent fatigue - Unexplained weight loss - Abdominal pain - Changes in urination (for BPH patients)

Report any concerns to your healthcare provider.

5. Stay Informed