Is your blood pressure medication safe? Over 580,000 bottles recalled for cancer-linked mmpurity

Thousands of patients who rely on blood pressure medication are being urged to check their prescriptions after Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of more than 580,000 bottles of its Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was triggered after the drug was found to contain dangerous levels of a potentially cancer-causing compound.

The recall, officially launched on October 7, 2025, was later categorized as a Class II recall by the FDA on October 24 — indicating that the product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, though the chance of serious harm remains low.

Teva, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, distributed the affected medication nationwide. The FDA’s enforcement report shows that approximately 580,844 bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules were affected, including 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg doses.

The Chemical at the Center of the Recall

FDA laboratory tests revealed that certain lots of the drug contained N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a nitrosamine compound known to increase the risk of cancer with long-term exposure. Nitrosamines have been under regulatory scrutiny for years, after being detected in several commonly used medications such as heartburn drugs and blood pressure treatments.

The impurity levels detected in Teva’s Prazosin capsules were above the agency’s acceptable daily intake limit, prompting swift action from the company to remove the affected products from circulation.

According to the company’s internal Health Hazard Assessment, the potential harm to patients is considered “medium risk”, although no immediate health incidents have been reported as of now.

What Is Prazosin Used For?

Prazosin Hydrochloride, also marketed under the brand name Minipress, is an alpha-blocker used primarily to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). The medication works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, helping blood flow more easily.

Beyond its cardiovascular benefits, Prazosin is also prescribed off-label for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality. Its effectiveness for mental health treatment has made it widely used among veterans and individuals dealing with trauma-related disorders.

Breakdown of Affected Lots

The recall includes:

• 1 mg capsules: 181,659 bottles

• 2 mg capsules: 291,512 bottles

• 5 mg capsules: 107,673 bottles

  
  
  

Each bottle may contain between 100 and 1,000 capsules, depending on packaging. A complete list of the recalled lot numbers is available on the FDA’s Enforcement Report page.

What Should Patients Do?

Neither Teva Pharmaceuticals nor the FDA has issued specific disposal instructions for patients who already have the recalled medication. However, health experts advise consumers to:

1. Check the lot number on their medication bottle.

2. Contact their pharmacist or healthcare provider to confirm if their prescription is affected.

   
   
   

3. Properly dispose of the recalled product according to local pharmacy or FDA drug take-back guidelines.

4. Avoid taking the medication until they’ve spoken with a medical professional about possible alternatives.

While the immediate health risk is considered minimal, patients who have been taking the affected lots for extended periods are encouraged to discuss potential exposure risks with their doctors.

Teva Responds to Rising Concern

Teva Pharmaceuticals has yet to release a detailed public statement but confirmed that it is working closely with the FDA to manage the recall and prevent further distribution of the contaminated lots. The company has a history of proactive recalls involving similar impurities, signaling its ongoing compliance with safety protocols.

This latest development adds to a series of recent recalls affecting commonly used medications in the United States — including Lipitor, which was withdrawn from shelves earlier this month after failing dissolution tests that could reduce the drug’s effectiveness.

As regulators tighten oversight of nitrosamine contamination, patients are urged to stay vigilant about the medications they use and regularly check for updates on FDA recall notices.

FAQ Section

1. What medication is being recalled?
Teva Pharmaceuticals is recalling Prazosin Hydrochloride capsules, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and PTSD-related symptoms.

2. Why was the recall issued?
The recall was prompted by the detection of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a chemical linked to cancer when consumed over time.

3. How serious is the recall?
The FDA classified it as a Class II recall, meaning the health risk is moderate and primarily involves temporary or reversible effects.

4. How can I know if my medication is affected?
Check the lot number on your bottle and compare it to the list available on the FDA’s website under Teva Prazosin recall.

5. What should I do if I have the recalled product?
Do not take the medication. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider immediately for guidance and a replacement prescription