The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of more than 580,000 bottles of the blood pressure medication prazosin hydrochloride after testing revealed possible contamination with a cancer-causing chemical, according to The Associated Press.
The voluntary recall was issued by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Amerisource Health Services, which manufacture and distribute the drug. The FDA classified the affected batches as a Class II risk, meaning use could cause temporary or reversible health effects—and, in rare cases, more serious consequences, as reported by the AP.
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What Prazosin Does—and Why It Matters
Prazosin helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, reducing strain on the heart. It’s also prescribed off-label to help treat nightmares linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The FDA says some recalled bottles may contain nitrosamines, chemicals that can form during manufacturing or storage and may cause cancer after long-term exposure.
What You Can Do Now
If you’re taking prazosin, don’t stop your medication abruptly. Instead, check your prescription’s lot number and manufacturer, then visit the FDA’s recall database to see if it’s affected. Talk to your doctor about safe alternatives.
3 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
Research shows these simple, science-backed lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure naturally and keep it there.
- Move every day. A 2020 meta-analysis found that regular aerobic and resistance training—especially running and isometric wall squats—can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 5 mm Hg on average.
- Drop excess body fat. Losing even 10 pounds of body weight can make a measurable difference, according to the American Heart Association. Modest weight loss reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by lowering insulin resistance, improving vascular function, and reducing stress on the heart.
- Manage stress and breathe deeply. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that breathing exercises produce a moderate but significant reduction in blood pressure and heart rate, while the AHA highlights stress control as a key factor in long-term heart health.
Related: What Really Happens to Your Heart Rate When You Exercise, According to Experts
