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# FDA Misses Deadline on Blood Pressure Drugs, Group Says
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/fda-misses-deadline-on-blood-pressure-drugs-group-says/
- Published: 2019-10-14T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T01:56:11.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5145241

FDA has missed a self-imposed six-month deadline to assess levels of the carcinogen nitrosamine that led to the recall of several common blood pressure medicines known as sartans. Earlier this year, FDA [temporarily increased the allowable level of the chemical](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-and-press-announcements-angiotensin-ii-receptor-blocker-arb-recalls-valsartan-losartan?ref=fdaweb.com#interimlimits2) while it undertook the review. A new analysis of publicly available information from the agency by U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund finds that it has only assessed the risk of 26% of these medications, and that nitrosamine levels are even higher than the interim level in 61% of some lots of those assessed medications. FDA has not responded to media requests for comment.

The group says FDA has allowed companies to continue distributing drugs in the U.S. even if it’s unclear if those medications are contaminated with the toxin. “The hope is spot inspections will catch any tainted batches before they reach pharmacies,” it says in a [release](https://uspirg.org/news/usp/new-analysis-uncovers-unsafe-blood-pressure-medication-distributed-us?ref=fdaweb.com). “But that preventative measure is not working well. The FDA has issued 14 recalls since March.”

The group and other public health advocates recommend that FDA take the following immediate actions:

- Provide resources and tools to increase production from companies whose drugs have not contained the carcinogen.
- Set a clear public timeline for assessing all manufacturers to ensure their drugs are nitrosamine free. Regularly update doctors and the public on which manufacturers have been approved.
- Help pharmacists and doctors suggest alternative, uncontaminated medication or ensure a safe supply for patients.