The NDMA Contamination Crisis in Valsartan
In July 2018, the FDA announced a voluntary recall of valsartan products manufactured by Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical, after testing revealed the presence of NDMA in finished tablets. The contamination was traced to changes in the drug's manufacturing process that created NDMA as a byproduct — a change that occurred years before the contamination was detected.
The recalls expanded rapidly as regulators worldwide discovered that NDMA contamination was not limited to a single manufacturer. Multiple generic valsartan producers were affected, and the recalls eventually extended to related drugs including losartan and irbesartan. The scope of the contamination meant that millions of patients across the globe had been exposed to carcinogenic impurities for years.
Recalled valsartan blood pressure medication
Cancer Risks and Health Effects of NDMA Exposure
NDMA is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 2A probable human carcinogen. It is the same compound that contaminated the water supply at Camp Lejeune and has been extensively studied for its ability to cause cancer in laboratory settings.
Patients who ingested contaminated valsartan over extended periods may face an increased risk of liver cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, and other malignancies. The risk is proportional to the duration and dosage of exposure. Many patients took contaminated valsartan daily for years before the recalls began, accumulating significant NDMA exposure. The cruel irony is that these patients were taking medication to protect their cardiovascular health, unaware that it was simultaneously exposing them to a known carcinogen.
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Steven Babin's Leadership in the Valsartan MDL
The valsartan litigation has been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation in the District of New Jersey, where Attorney Steven Babin serves on the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee. This appointment reflects Mr. Babin's deep expertise in pharmaceutical litigation and his dedication to holding drug manufacturers accountable for putting contaminated products on the market.
As a member of the steering committee, Steven Babin plays a direct role in guiding discovery, retaining experts, and shaping the litigation strategy for the entire plaintiff class. For Babin Law clients, this leadership translates into an unparalleled level of insight and access. If you took generic valsartan and have been diagnosed with cancer, contact Babin Law for a free case evaluation — our position in the MDL ensures your case receives the highest level of attention.
What to Do If You Took Contaminated Valsartan and Were Diagnosed with Cancer
If you took generic valsartan and have been diagnosed with cancer, these steps can help protect your health and ensure you have the strongest possible legal claim.
Obtain Your Prescription and Pharmacy Records
Contact your pharmacy to obtain a complete history of your valsartan prescriptions. You need records showing the specific manufacturer, lot numbers, dates filled, and duration of use. Many pharmacies retain electronic records going back several years, and your insurer may also have claims data.
Confirm Whether Your Valsartan Was Contaminated
Cross-reference your valsartan manufacturer and lot numbers against the FDA's recall list. The recalls affected multiple generic manufacturers including Zhejiang Huahai, Hetero Labs, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, and others. Your attorney can help you determine if your specific pills were part of the contaminated batches.
Gather Your Complete Cancer Treatment Records
Obtain all records related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment, including pathology reports, imaging studies, biopsy results, surgical records, chemotherapy regimens, and oncologist notes. These records establish the nature and severity of your condition and are central to your claim.
Document the Timeline from Valsartan Use to Diagnosis
Create a clear timeline showing when you started taking valsartan, when the contaminated manufacturing process began for your brand, how long you took the medication, and when you were diagnosed with cancer. This temporal relationship is an important element of causation.
Contact Babin Law for an MDL-Level Case Evaluation
Attorney Steven Babin serves on the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee in the valsartan MDL, giving Babin Law unparalleled insight into the litigation. We offer free evaluations and can leverage our MDL leadership position to assess your claim at the highest level.
What Is Your Valsartan Case Worth?
Valsartan contamination case values depend primarily on the type and stage of cancer diagnosed, the duration of exposure to NDMA-contaminated medication, and the impact on your life and health.
Type and Stage of Cancer
The cancer types most frequently linked to NDMA exposure — including liver, stomach, colorectal, and kidney cancer — carry different prognoses and treatment costs. Advanced-stage cancer diagnoses generally result in higher case valuations due to more extensive treatment and poorer outcomes.
Duration of Contaminated Valsartan Use
Patients who took contaminated valsartan daily for several years before the recalls had the greatest cumulative NDMA exposure. Longer exposure periods strengthen the causal connection between the contaminated medication and the cancer diagnosis, supporting higher valuations.
Cancer Treatment Costs
The economic damages in valsartan cases can be substantial. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, hospitalization, medications, and ongoing monitoring over the course of cancer treatment represent significant recoverable costs. Future anticipated treatment expenses are also included.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Cancer treatment often forces patients to take extended leave from work or retire early. Lost wages during treatment and the diminished capacity to earn income in the future are major economic damages components, particularly for patients diagnosed during their working years.
Pain, Suffering, and Quality of Life
The physical pain of cancer treatment, the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, the fear of recurrence, and the impact on family relationships are all compensable non-economic damages. Patients who endured cancer that could have been prevented had their medication not been contaminated have powerful claims.
Steven Babin's MDL Leadership Advantage
As a member of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee, Attorney Steven Babin has direct access to the latest discovery, expert reports, and settlement negotiations. This leadership position means Babin Law clients benefit from insider knowledge that can influence case valuation and strategy.
The valsartan MDL in the District of New Jersey is actively progressing. Steven Babin's Steering Committee role gives Babin Law clients a strategic advantage in this litigation.
Contact Babin Law for a free valsartan case evaluation. Our position in the MDL leadership ensures your case receives the highest level of expertise and strategic attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valsartan
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