Thailand FDA Recalls 42 High BP Drugs Due to Cancer Risk - GVS HEALTH
Thailand's FDA recalls high blood pressure medication due to carcinogenic contamination. Find out the details and the country's efforts to combat hypertension. Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled 42 lots of high blood pressure medication from five manufacturers due to possible carcinogenic contamination. The recall specifically targets certain lots of irbesartan due to the presence of the carcinogenic impurity azidomethyl biphenyl tetrazole (AZBT). The FDA has ordered all facilities including medical offices, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers to remove the medication from their shelves. The responsibility for distributing the nine batches containing AZBT impurities lies with five pharmaceutical businesses. The Thai Ministry of Public Health has also signed a deal to enhance access to automated blood pressure monitors in public places. The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of high pressure and its associated risks.
Diterbitkan : 2 tahun lalu oleh di dalam Health
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued a recall for 42 lots of high blood pressure medication from five different manufacturers. The recall comes as a result of possible carcinogenic contamination in the medication. The FDA’s acting secretary-general, Dr. Narong Aphikulvanich, announced that the recall specifically targets certain lots of irbesartan due to the presence of the carcinogenic impurity azidomethyl biphenyl tetrazole (AZBT).
Dr. Narong emphasized that alternative FDA-approved forms of irbesartan are safe for human consumption. However, the FDA has requested that irbesartan producers check for these impurities and replace AZBT-containing chemicals with non-AZBT alternatives. They have also urged manufacturers to double-check their drug distribution in the market.
The FDA made this decision after collecting irbesartan ingredient samples from all manufacturers and conducting tests. The Department of Medical Sciences found that some brands of irbesartan exceeded internationally accepted levels of contaminants that enhance cancer risks. As a result, the FDA has mandated that all facilities, including medical offices, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers, remove irbesartan from their shelves.
It is important to note that patients who are currently taking irbesartan for hypertension should not suddenly stop taking the medication. Since hypertension requires constant drug consumption, the FDA advises patients to consult their healthcare providers for alternative medications. Dr. Narong also stressed the importance of thoroughly researching medications before consumption.
The responsibility for distributing the nine irbesartan batches containing AZBT impurities lies with five pharmaceutical businesses: TO Chemicals Co Ltd, Siam Bheasach Co Ltd, M&H Manufacturing Co Ltd, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, and Sriprasit Pharmacy Co Ltd.
Thailand is currently facing a significant challenge with high blood pressure, with an estimated 13 million people affected. Alarmingly, almost half of these patients are unaware of their condition, which can lead to other health problems. To address this issue, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Department of Disease Control, and the Department of Local Administration have signed an agreement to enhance access to automated blood pressure monitors.
Recent studies have shown that 24.7 percent of Thais, or over 13 million people, have high blood pressure, with 45 percent unaware of their condition. High blood pressure often goes undetected as it does not have obvious warning signs. However, if left untreated, it can lead to secondary issues such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and renal disease.
To promote better health management, the Ministry of Public Health and other related agencies are encouraging individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles. This includes quitting smoking and excessive drinking, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding the consumption of saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Additionally, automated blood pressure monitors will be installed in public places such as district offices and government centers in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan.
The Public Health Ministry has also launched the “Know Your Number, Know Your Risk” health awareness program. As part of this initiative, blood pressure monitors will be installed in hospitals and government buildings. Furthermore, the ministry is offering courses to village volunteers who are interested in becoming house doctors in their communities and assisting with the program.
In collaboration with relevant units, the Thai Ministry of Public Health plans to install 100 automated blood pressure monitors in public places. This will enable individuals to check their blood pressure and assess their own health status conveniently.
In conclusion, Thailand’s FDA has taken swift action to recall high blood pressure medication due to possible carcinogenic contamination. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare providers for alternative medications. Additionally, Thailand is addressing the issue of high blood pressure through various initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing access to automated blood pressure monitors. By promoting healthier lifestyles and regular monitoring, the country aims to reduce the prevalence of high blood pressure and its associated risks.
Topik: FDA, Thailand