Valsartan Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Valsartan Lawsuit Overview

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled multiple batches of Valsartan, a medication used for high blood pressure and heart failure, after it was found to be contaminated with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen. 

A panel of federal judges in February 2019 ordered that a multidistrict litigation (MDL) for Valsartan lawsuits be created in New Jersey federal court. As of July 2019, 88 lawsuits were pending in the MDL.

Latest Valsartan Lawsuit Updates

• June 2024 – More than 1200 lawsuits were pending in the Valsartan multi-district litigation (MDL 2875). 
• July 2019 – 88 lawsuits were pending in the MDL with no trial dates set.
• February 2019 – A panel of federal judges ordered that a multidistrict litigation (MDL) for 10 Valsartan lawsuits be created in New Jersey federal court. The panel identified at least 30 other related lawsuits that could join the litigation.
• September 26, 2018 – Valsartan lawsuit filed by Dominic Stimma, Margoth Strand, and Jynona Gail Lee against Torrent Pharma Inc., Hetero USA, Camber Pharmaceuticals, Kroger, Quality Food Centers, and CVS in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey.
• September 11, 2018 – Plaintiff James Jones filed a class action complaint in the Eastern District of Missouri Eastern Division naming Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Prinston Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Huahai US Inc. in his complaint.
• August 31, 2018 – Eric J. Erwin filed a class action in the District of New Jersey naming Prinston Pharmaceutical, Solco Healthcare, Huahai US Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical, and Teva USA as defendants.
• August 16, 2018 – Elizabeth and John Duffy filed the first valsartan class action lawsuit in the federal Southern District of New York naming Solco Healthcare, Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc., Walgreens, and Throggs Neck Pharmacy as defendants.

FDA Reports and Statistics

The FDA announced that a total of 1,114 lots of angiotensin II receptor blockers, including batches of valsartan, losartan, and irbesartan, had been recalled as of June 11, 2019 [1].

The agency has recalled valsartan-containing products from the following companies:

• A-S Medication Solutions (labeled as Solco Healthcare)
• Bryant Ranch Prepack
• HJ Harkins Company
• Northwind Pharmaceuticals
• Prinston Pharmaceutical Inc. (labeled as Solco Healthcare)
• Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. (some labeled as Actavis, some as Major Pharmaceuticals)
• AvKARE
• A-S Medication Solutions
• Northwind Pharmaceuticals
• Prinston Pharmaceutical (labeled as Solco Healthcare)
• Proficient Rx
• Remedy Repack
• Teva Pharmaceuticals (some labeled as Actavis)

In September 2018, the FDA announced that Zhejiang Huahai had found another toxic chemical in generic valsartan — a cancer-causing chemical called N-nitroso diethylamine (NDEA).

As claimed by the FDA, the agency advises consumers who are taking a medication with valsartan to compare their prescription bottle to the agency’s list [1] to determine whether their drugs have been recalled.

“Patients taking these medications should continue using them until their doctor or pharmacist has a replacement drug or treatment,” the FDA says.

Patients can also contact their pharmacist, who may be able to provide valsartan from a pharmaceutical company not involved in the recall.

Related Article: Irbesartan Litigation

Valsartan Injuries & Side Effects

Users of contaminated Valsartan have reported serious side effects, including various forms of cancer and liver damage.

• Cancer: stomach cancer, small intestine cancer, kidney cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, prostate cancer (under age 65), liver cancer, blood cancer, leukemia, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Liver Issues: liver damage, liver tumors
• Heart Problems: heart failure, congestive heart failure
• Less Severe Side Effects: headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, flu symptoms, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea, cold symptoms, sinusitis, nausea, stomach pain, swelling, blurred vision, itching or skin rash, back pain, joint pain

Do You Qualify for a Valsartan Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Valsartan lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed Valsartan between 2014 and present
• You took Valsartan for at least 30 days
• You experienced serious side effects such as liver damage or were diagnosed with cancer (including stomach, kidney, small intestine, colorectal, bladder, liver, pancreatic, prostate cancer under age 65, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, or leukemia)
• Your cancer diagnosis came at least 1 year after starting Valsartan
• You have medical documentation linking your injuries to Valsartan

Evidence Required for a Valsartan Lawsuit

If your prescription drug was included in the valsartan recall, make sure you keep your pill bottles and pills for evidence. Your attorney may know experts who can test your valsartan pills for potential NDMA contamination.

Evidence needed includes:

• Proof your Valsartan was part of the recall
• Medical records showing your diagnosis
• Documentation of when you first experienced side effects
• Information about how these side effects have affected your daily life
• Records of treatments you are undergoing

Damages You Can Recover

If your lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases)

Statute of Limitations for Valsartan Lawsuits

Every state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a claim. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to compensation. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to determine your eligibility based on your state’s specific statute of limitations.

FAQs

1. What is generic valsartan?

Valsartan is the active ingredient in Diovan, a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and post-heart attack. Valsartan was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August 3, 2005.

2. How does valsartan work?

Valsartan pills can relax blood vessels by blocking the receptor for angiotensin II, the hormone that can constrict blood vessels and thereby raise pressure. It takes effect after about 2 hours, peaks at 6 hours, and wears off by 24 hours.

3. What is N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NDMA is a semi-volatile organic chemical that belongs to the N-nitrosamines family of potent carcinogens. The chemical is not currently produced in pure form or commercially used in the U.S., except for research purposes [2].

4. Which injuries are eligible for a valsartan lawsuit?

If you were diagnosed with liver damage, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, or pancreatic cancer, you may qualify to file a lawsuit if you started taking valsartan at least 1 year before the cancer diagnosis.

5. Are valsartan lawsuits being filed?

Yes, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) for Valsartan lawsuits was created in New Jersey federal court in February 2019. The complaints named at least 20 valsartan drug companies and other companies as defendants in the litigation.

6. Can I join a class action lawsuit if I was affected by valsartan?

Yes, individuals affected by contaminated Valsartan may join a class action lawsuit if one is available. Class action lawsuits allow multiple plaintiffs to combine their cases, providing a stronger collective legal action against the manufacturers.

7. What should I do if I suspect valsartan caused my health issues?

If you suspect Valsartan caused your health issues, consult with your healthcare provider, gather medical records, document your symptoms, and consult a lawyer to evaluate your case and discuss potential legal action.

8. Are there alternative medications to valsartan with fewer risks?

Yes, there are alternative medications to Valsartan that may have fewer risks. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss other options for managing your condition and to find a medication that suits your health needs without the associated risks.

Get a Free Valsartan Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Valsartan-related injuries. Every state has specific statutes of limitations that could prevent you from filing a claim if you wait too long.

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers focusing on representing plaintiffs in valsartan lawsuits. We are handling individual personal injury litigation nationwide and currently accepting new valsartan cases in all 50 states.

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-and-press-announcements-angiotensin-ii-receptor-blocker-arb-recalls-valsartan-losartan
2. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/201403/documents/ffrrofactsheet_contaminant_ndma_january2014_final