Worldwide recall issued for common blood pressure medication

A voluntary recall of a medication to commonly used to treat blood pressure problems has now been expanded worldwide.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says valsartan could contain a cancer-causing chemical called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This chemical is toxic to the liver and other organs.

According to the FDA, NDMA is found in some water supplies and in some foods. Consuming a very small amount is considered reasonably safe for humans. The amount of NDMA found in the recalled batches of valsartan exceeded these acceptable levels.

When the initial recall was first announced a few weeks ago, it didn't include the United States and it just impacted the generic version.

Now, the recall has gone global with the FDA adding new manufacturers to the list:


    For more information on this recall, click here.

    The FDA has also compiled an updated list of medications not included in the recall:


      For more information on various medications that are not included in the recall, click here.