RECALL WATCH

BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS SAID TO CONTAIN POSSIBLE CARCINOGEN

A pharmaceutical company is recalling a blood pressure and heart medication because it was found to contain a possible carcinogen.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced last week that it was voluntarily recalling 14 lots of Valsartan/ Amlodipine/HCTZ tablets because of trace amounts of an unexpected impurity found in an active pharmaceutical ingredient. The impurity is N-nitrosodimethylamine, which is a substance that occurs naturally in certain foods, drinking water, air pollution and industrial processes, and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.

To date, Torrent has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall. A full list of the recalled products is available at https://bit.ly/2MDoiQK.

Valsartan is used to control high blood pressure and for the treatment of heart failure. Patients should contact their pharmacist or physician who can advise them about an alternative treatment before returning their medication. Patients who are on Valsartan should continue taking the medication as the risk of harm to the patient’s health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment.

HAIR DRYERS POSE FIRE HAZARD

Xtava is recalling about 235,000 Allure and Allure Pro hair dryers because hair dryer and power cord can overheat and catch on fire, posing burn and electrical shock hazards.

The company has received 193 reports of the hair dryers or power cords overheating, melting, exploding or catching fire, including 18 reports of burns and two reports of a minor electrical shock. Four of the reported burn incidents resulted in a blister to the hand, wrist or finger. One consumer reported a severe burn.

The recalled hair dryers are black or white and include a concentrator nozzle. Many of the units have a label located underneath the back of the unit bearing the following SKU numbers: XTV010001, XTV010001N, XTV010002, or XTV010002N.

Consumers should immediately stop using the hair dryers and contact Xtava to receive a free replacement hair dryer. Call 877-643-8440, or visit www.xtava.com and click on “Product Recalls” or https://recall-xtavaallure.expertinquiry.com.