Atlanta Losartan Claims Lawyer

If you used the drug Losartan and need assistance, talk to a dangerous drugs attorney at Hammers Law Firm. You may be able to file a Losartan recall lawsuit and get the financial compensation you deserve. Our Atlanta losartan claims lawyers would be happy to help you explore your options in a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case.

Losartan Defined

Losartan is a blood pressure medication that has been both widely used and voluntarily recalled. Certain lots of the drug are contaminated with a known human carcinogen.

Losartan is used primarily to reduce high blood pressure, but it can also prevent diabetes-related damage to the kidneys. First approved for prescription use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2003, Losartan is in a class of drugs technically known as angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs. ARBs like Losartan work by blocking the action of natural chemicals that would otherwise cause blood vessels to tighten. When vessels are relaxed by these medications, they carry more oxygen to the heart.

Losartan: The Problem

The latest FDA warning was issued on September 23, 2019. The blood pressure medication was subject to a voluntary recall throughout the US due to the presence of a potentially cancer-causing contaminant.

Losartan is a generic name for this drug, which is sold under multiple trade names. The medication covered by the recall was manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited. Torrent and the FDA have coordinated to recall the medication five times.

Individuals suffering from high blood pressure have their blood vessels tightened and constricted by the release of angiotensin by the body. Angiotensin forces the heart to work harder and faster than normal, and in the long term, this can increase the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, kidney disease, and strokes. Losartan blocks angiotensin, relaxes blood vessels, and reduces the risks it poses.

The FDA’s current recall covers two different forms of the medication: Losartan Potassium and Losartan potassium/hydrochlorothiazide. Both are manufactured in tablet form. Losartan is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the class of ARBs.

Several different drugs in the ARB class have been recalled for the same reason: They’ve tested positive for the presence of nitrosamines, contaminants that increase the risk of cancer. The specific contaminant identified in Losartan is N-methylnitrosobutyric acid or NMBA.

If you have any concerns about starting to take or continuing to take Losartan products, speak to a health care professional about it. The NMBA contamination affects only certain batches of Losartan, and using an uncontaminated batch may protect you from any increased risk. You may also have equally-effective medication alternatives to choose from. Do not make any medication changes without a doctor’s supervision.

The FDA’s recall announcement includes a caution against stopping Losartan use without speaking to a doctor. The risk involved with stopping abruptly may be greater than that posed by any contaminant.

What Complications Can Be Caused By Losartan?

Attorneys in Atlanta are investigating lawsuit potential for injured parties who developed these forms of cancer after taking Losartan:

  • Stomach cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Colorectal or intestinal cancer
  • Prostate cancer (only for patients diagnosed before the age of 65)
  • Liver cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Leukemia/blood cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • Multiple Myeloma

Losartan has other potential side effects beyond increased cancer risk. These include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Skeletal muscle tissue breakdown producing kidney failure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Lightheadedness
  • Pale skin
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Less frequent urination
  • Difficulty concentrating and other mental issues
  • Shortness of breath and other respiratory problems
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat, weak pulse, and tingling sensations

If you have experienced the side effects of Losartan, it is imperative to reach out to a skilled lawyer in Atlanta right away who can help you file your claim and get the compensation you deserve.

The FDA’s Recommendations On Losartan

The FDA strongly cautions patients currently taking Losartan not to stop taking it without speaking to a doctor first. There could be adverse health effects caused by stopping treatment. A doctor can recommend alternative treatments to replace recalled Losartan medications. As of the time of this writing, no case of cancer or any other serious illness has been tied to the contaminated drugs.

Contact an Atlanta Losartan Claims Attorney Today For A Free Case Review

Contact our Atlanta Losartan claims lawyers immediately if you have experienced any adverse complications while taking or after taking Losartan. You may have grounds for filing a Losartan recall lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. We will be happy to provide a free case evaluation with no obligations. Hammers Law Firm is a personal injury law firm headquartered in Atlanta which represents clients throughout the United States.