High Blood Pressure

Recent studies have highlighted the negative health effects associated with alcohol consumption -- even in the most limited quantities. Now, researchers from the American Heart Association have identified those with type 2 diabetes as a particularly vulnerable group when it comes to drinking.  

According to a new study, having more than one alcoholic drink per day could increase the risk of high blood pressure for those with type 2 diabetes. 

“This is the first large study to specifically investigate the association of alcohol intake and hypertension among adults with type 2 diabetes,” said researcher Dr. Matthew J. Singleton. “Previous studies have suggested that heavy alcohol consumption was associated with high blood pressure, however, the association of moderate alcohol consumption with high blood pressure was unclear.” 

The risks of moderate alcohol consumption

The researchers had over 10,000 participants, all with type 2 diabetes, participate in the study. At the start of the study, the participants reported on how many alcoholic beverages they consumed per week, and the researchers monitored their blood pressure readings over the course of the study. 

The biggest takeaway that the researchers gleaned was that excessive alcohol consumption greatly increases consumers’ risk of high blood pressure. However, they learned that even drinking moderately throughout the week can be problematic for those struggling with type 2 diabetes. Moderate drinking was defined as having eight to 14 drinks per week, and participants who fell into this group were nearly 80 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure. 

These findings were consistent with those from another study, which found that moderate drinking for all consumers -- regardless of diabetes status -- can have a negative impact on blood pressure. 

Limiting alcohol consumption

The researchers learned that having a few drinks each week didn’t compromise participants’ blood pressure. Because of this, they recommend that consumers with type 2 diabetes take these findings into consideration when thinking about their own alcohol consumption. 

“People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher cardiovascular risk, and our findings indicate that alcohol consumption is associated with hypertension, so limited drinking is recommended,” said Dr. Singleton. 

High blood pressure is something all consumers need to keep an eye on, but a new study shows that pregnant women can be especially susceptible to the condition. 

Researchers from the American Heart Association (AHA) found that cases of high blood pressure among pregnant women have been steadily increasing over the last 40 years. Those findings are dangerous because high blood pressure can be harmful to both mothers and their newborns. 

“Women who already have high blood pressure and are planning to become pregnant should work closely with their healthcare provider to closely monitor and manage their blood pressure, especially during pregnancy, to reduce the serious health risks to both themselves and their unborn child,” said researcher Cande V. Ananth, PhD. 

Monitoring potential health risks

The researchers utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) to determine blood pressure trends among pregnant women between 1970 and 2010. 

In that time, over 151 million were hospitalized due to changes in blood pressure, all of whom were between the ages of 15 and 49. For the purpose of the study, the researchers were focused on women who either had high blood pressure before getting pregnant or were diagnosed with the condition up to 20 weeks into pregnancy. 

The researchers discovered that while just over 0.10 percent of pregnant women had chronic high blood pressure at the start of the study in 1970, that figure jumped exponentially by 2010, with over 1.5 percent of pregnant women experiencing chronic high blood pressure by that date. 

The study revealed that women who waited until later in life to become pregnant were at a greater risk of developing chronic high blood pressure during pregnancy, as were African American women, though the researchers were unsure as to why this particular trend emerged. 

“We found that mothers who were older when they became pregnant were likely to have chronic hypertension,” said Dr. Ananth. “Since more women are electing to postpone their first pregnancies, and advanced maternal age is strongly associated with chronic high blood pressure, women should be aware of the risks associated with having high blood pressure during pregnancy.” 

Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited is recalling Losartan Potassium tablets and Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide combination tablets used to treat hypertension and hypertensive patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.

The products contain trace amounts of N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), a potential human carcinogen.

The firm has not received any reports of adverse events to date.

The following products, packaged in bottles, are being recalled:

The products can be identified by checking the product name, manufacturer details and batch or lot number on the bottle.

What to do

Patients who are on the recalled medications should continue taking them and contact their pharmacist, physician, or medical provider for advice regarding an alternative treatment, as the risk of harm to the patient's health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment.

Patients with medical questions regarding this recall or to report an adverse event may contact Macleods at (855) 926-3384 (8:00 am – 5:00 pm (EST).

Macleods is arranging for return of all recalled products to Qualanex. Instructions for returning recalled products are given in the recall letter.

Consumers with general questions regarding the return of the recalled product may contact Qualanex (888) 280-2046, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (CST) Monday – Friday or by email at recall@qualanex .com.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is expanding an earlier recall of losartan potassium tablets used for the treatment of hypertension, hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and nephropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients.

The product contains trace amounts of N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), a potential human carcinogen.

The expansion includes six (6) lots of bulk losartan potassium USP tablets: two lots of 50-mg strength and four lots of 100-mg strength.

• Losartan potassium tablets, USP 50 mg, are green, film-coated, oval-shaped biconvex tablets with “LK 50” on one side and ">" on the other side.
• Losartan potassium tablets, USP 100 mg, are dark green, film-coated, oval-shaped biconvex tablets with “LK100” on one side and ">" on the other side.

The bulk lots were sold exclusively to Golden State Medical Supply, of Camarillo, Calif, which packaged these bulk products under its own label and distributed retail bottles of 30, 90 and 1000 tablets to their customers.

The finished product lots included in this recall and listed below were sold by Teva in bulk containers.

The bulk tablet lots were repackaged into seven (7) finished product lots for further distribution by Golden State Medical Supply under its product label.

What to do

Patients taking Losartan Potassium tablets are advised to continue taking their medication and contact their pharmacist, physician, or medical provider for advice regarding an alternative treatment. The immediate risk of harm to a patient’s health is likely to be higher if the medicine is stopped abruptly without any alternative treatment.

Patients with medical-related questions, who wish to report an adverse event, or quality issues about the recalled products may contact Teva Medical Information by at (888)838-2872, option 3, then, option 4, Monday-Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM (ET) with voicemail available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, or by email at druginfo@tevapharm.com.

Patients wishing to return product may contact Teva’s product recall processor (Inmar) to obtain instructions and a return kit for returning their medication.

Contact Inmar at (877) 789-2065 from 9 am to 5 pm (ET) Monday – Friday) or by email Inmar at: tevarecalls@inmar.com.

Inmar will provide the materials needed to return their medication and instructions for reimbursement.

Vivimed Life Sciences is recalling 19 lots of Losartan Potassium 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets used for the treatment of hypertension, hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and nephropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients.

The product contains trace amounts of N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), a potential human carcinogen.

There are no reports of adverse events to date related to this recall.

The following 19 lot numbers of Losartan Potassium tablets are being recalled:

The recalled products were distributed nationwide to wholesalers, distributors, retail pharmacies, and mail order pharmacies.

What to do

Patients should contact their doctor for further guidance and potential change of treatment before they stop taking the product.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall may call (877) 861-3811, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm (EST).

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is recalling 35 lots of bulk Losartan Potassium USP tablets used for the treatment of hypertension, hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy, and nephropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients.

The product contains trace amounts of N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), a potential human carcinogen.

The lots were sold exclusively to Golden State Medical Supply of Camarillo, Calif. Golden State Medical Supply packages this bulk product under its own label and distributes in retail bottles of 30, 90, and 1000 tablets.

Teva has not received any reports to date of adverse events related to the lots being recalled.

The finished product lots included in this voluntary recall and listed below were sold by Teva in bulk containers.

The bulk tablet lots were repackaged into 44 finished products lots for further distribution by Golden State Medical Supply under its product label.

The recalled tablets are described as:

• Losartan Potassium tablets, USP 25 mg, are light-green, film-coated, teardrop-shaped biconvex tablet with “LK 25” on one side and ">" on the other side.
• Losartan Potassium tablets, USP 100 mg, are dark green, film-coated, oval-shaped biconvex tablets with “LK100” on one side and ">" on the other side.

What to do

Patients taking Losartan Potassium tablets are advised to continue taking their medication and contact their pharmacist, physician, or medical provider for advice regarding an alternative treatment. The immediate risk of harm to a patient’s health is likely to be higher if the medicine is stopped abruptly without any alternative treatment.

Patients with medical-related questions, who wish to report an adverse event, or quality issues about the recalled products may contact Teva Medical Information by at (888)838-2872, option 3, then, option 4, Monday-Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM (ET) with voicemail available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, or by email at druginfo@tevapharm.com.

Patients wishing to return product may contact Teva’s product recall processor (Inmar) to obtain instructions and a return kit for returning their medication.

Contact Inmar at (877) 789-2065 from 9 am to 5 pm (ET) Monday – Friday) or by email Inmar at: tevarecalls@inmar.com.

Inmar will provide the materials needed to return their medication and instructions for reimbursement.

Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging is expanding its earlier recall of Losartan Potassium tablets, a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, to include one additional lot.

The product contains trace amounts of N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), a potential human carcinogen.

Legacy has not received any reports of adverse events to date.

The following four repackaged lots numbers (3 initial repackaged lot and 1 expanded repackaged lot) , are being recalled:

The product can be identified by checking the product name and repackaged lot number on the bottle containing these products.

The recalled product was distributed by pharmacies nationwide.

What to do

Legacy is notifying its customers in writing and is arranging/assisting for return of all recalled products to Inmar Pharmaceutical Services.

Instructions for returning recalled products are provided in the recall letter.

Consumers with questions may contact Inmar at (877) 538-8443, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm EST.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited is expanding its earlier recall of Losartan Potassium tablets and Losartan Potassium/hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

The products, used to treat high blood pressure, hypertensive patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and nephropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients, contain trace amounts of an unexpected impurity, N-Methylnitrosobutyric acid that are above the acceptable daily intake levels released by the FDA.

There are no reports to date of adverse events related to this recall.

The expanded recall includes the following 36 lots of Losartan potassium tablets and 68 lots of Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide tablets:

What to do

Patients who are taking the recalled products should continue taking their medication, as the risk of harm to the patient’s health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment.

Patients should contact their pharmacist or physician who can advise them about an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication.

Torrent is notifying its customers by phone and in writing, and arranging for return of all recalled products to Qualanex. Instructions for returning recalled products are given in the recall letter.

Consumers with medical questions regarding this recall or to report an adverse event may contact Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited at (800) 912-9561 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (ET) with voicemail available 24/7, or by email at Medinfo.Torrent@apcerls.com

Consumers with general questions regarding the return of the recalled product may contact Qualanex at (888) 280-2040 from 8 am - 9:00 pm ET).

Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging is recalling 40 repackaged lots of Losartan tablets, a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.

The product contains trace amounts of N-Nitroso N-Methyl 4-amino butyric acid (NMBA), a potential human carcinogen.

Legacy has not received any reports of adverse events to date.

The following product, packaged in 30-count bottles, is being recalled:

The recalled product, which can be identified by checking the product name and repackaged lot number on the bottle, was distributed by pharmacies nationwide.

What to do

Patients who have the recalled product should return it to the dispensing pharmacy.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall should contact their dispensing pharmacy during normal business hours or their physician or healthcare provider if they have had any problems related to taking or using the product.

American Health Packaging is recalling one lot of Valsartan tablets, which are used to control high blood pressure and for the treatment of heart failure.

Trace amounts of an unexpected impurity, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) -- a probable human carcinogen – have been found in the product.

There are no reports of injury or adverse events to date.

The following product, which was distributed nationwide, is being recalled:

What to do

Patients should continue taking their medication, as the risk of harm to their health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment. Patients should contact their pharmacist or physician who can advise them about an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication.

Consumers who have the recalled product should call (877) 475-5864 to receive a return packet.

AurobindoPharma USA and Acetris Health are expanding an earlier recall of Valsartan and Amlodipine and Valsartan tablets, which are used to control high blood pressure and for the treatment of heart failure.

Trace amounts of an unexpected impurity, N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) -- a probable human carcinogen – have been found in the product.

The following products, packaged in bottles, are being recalled:

The recalled products were distributed nationwide.

What to do

Patients should continue taking their medication, as the risk of harm to their health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment. Patients should contact their pharmacist or physician who can advise them about an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication.

AurobindoPharma is notifying its customers by phone and in writing and arranging for return of all recalled products. Instructions for returning recalled products are given in the recall letter.

Consumers with medical questions regarding this recall may contact AurobindoPharma at (866) 850- 2876, Option 2 or by email at pvg@aurobindousa.com.

Recent studies have noted the health risks associated with consuming alcohol -- even in moderation. Now, consumers can add blood pressure to the list of potential issues.

According to a new study, consuming as few as seven to 13 drinks per week can lead to high blood pressure.

“I think this will be a turning point for clinical practice, as well as for future research, education, and public health policy regarding alcohol consumption,” said researcher Dr. Amer Aladin. “It’s the first study showing that both heavy and moderate alcohol consumption can increase hypertension.”

Moderation is still a risk

To gauge the relationship between alcohol consumption and blood pressure, the researchers utilized six years worth of data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES).

The researchers included over 17,000 participants in the study, dividing them into three groups based on how much they drank: one group for those who never drank, another group for those who drank moderately (seven to 13 drinks per week), and a third group for heavy drinkers (14 or more drinks per week).

The researchers evaluated blood pressure using the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2017 guidelines, which lowers the barometer for what was traditionally considered hypertensive to 130/80 mm Hg, and places a normal blood pressure at 120/80 mm Hg.

The biggest takeaway from the study was that the more the participants drank on a weekly basis, the greater their likelihood of developing stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension. Heavy drinkers were the most affected, as the researchers found that these participants had a nearly 70 percent chance of developing stage 1 hypertension. They were also nearly 2.5 times as likely to develop stage 2 hypertension.

Moderate drinkers fared only slightly better, showing an over 50 percent risk of stage 1 hypertension and double the risk of developing stage 2 hypertension. The researchers hope these findings are beneficial for consumers moving forward, and that they pay close to attention to both their blood pressure readings and alcohol intake in the future.

“This study is not only large, but diverse in terms of race and gender,” Dr. Aladin said. “The results are very informative for future research and practice. If you are drinking a moderate or large amount of alcohol, ask your provider to check your blood pressure at each visit and help you cut down your drinking and eventually quit.”

Maintaining healthy blood pressure

Keeping blood pressure within a healthy range can be difficult for many consumers, but researchers have figured out several ways to make the process a bit easier.

Researchers recently found that both blueberries and napping can be effective for lowering blood pressure. Laws that regulate smoking indoors have also been linked to lowering blood pressure.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited is recalling 60 lots of Losartan potassium tablets and 54 lots of Losartan potassium/ hydrochlorothiazide tablets

The products, used to treat high blood pressure, contain trace amounts of an unexpected impurity, N-Methylnitrosobutyric acid (NMBA), that are above the acceptable daily intake levels released by the FDA.

There are no reports to date of adverse events related to this recall.

The following products are being recalled:

The recalled products were distributed nationwide to Torrent’s wholesale distributor, repackager and retail customers

What to do

Patients who are taking the medications should continue to do so, as the risk of harm to their health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment.

Patients should contact their pharmacist or physician who can advise them about an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication.

Torrent is arranging for return of all recalled products to Qualanex. Instructions for returning recalled products are given in a letter being sent to all customers.

Consumers with medical questions regarding this recall may contact Torrent Pharmaceuticals at (800) 912-9561 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (ET) or by email at Medinfo.Torrent@apcerls.com