Blood pressure medication recalled over level of cancerous chemical

A blood pressure medication is being recalled over high levels of a cancer-causing chemical.

The medicine, commonly referred to as Prazosin, is an alpha-blocker used to treat hypertension. It is also sometimes sold as Minipress, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The drug relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.

It can also be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly nightmares and sleep problems.

More than half a million bottles are being recalled, Parsippany, New Jersey-based Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. said.

The bottles may contain anywhere from 100 to 1,000 capsules, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Testing showed that capsules had “above acceptable intake limits” for N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C, a compound linked to cancer.

FDA classified it as a Class II risk level on Oct. 24.

According to the FDA, a Class II risk is a situation “in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”

Neither Teva nor the FDA issued guidance on what to do with the recalled capsules.

Lipitor, a popular cholesterol medication, was recalled last month for “failed dissolution specifications,” meaning it dissolved slower than expected and was less effective.

https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/10/30/prazosin-recall-blood-pressure-medication-cancer-chemical/