“Call your doctor”: “Common” medications recalled over cancer fears – FDA issues warning

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled the batches after it emerged they contained the environmental contaminant N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is known to cause some form of cancers.

Metformin is a generic drug widely used by diabetics around the world that works to lower insulin levels in the blood.

It is also believed to influence metabolic and cellular processes associated with age-related conditions such as inflammation.

Batches of the drug were voluntarily recalled in the US after the contaminant was detected during a series of tests.

NDMA is classified as a potential human carcinogen based on a series of laboratory experiments.

It is defined by Drug Watch as a yellow, odourless, liquid chemical one used to make rocket fuel.

It is also an environmental contaminant found in water and food, such as meat, dairy products and vegetables.

Drug Watch adds that it’s a “byproduct of several manufacturing processes and water chlorination”.

The commonly prescribed metformin drug was recalled after a probable carcinogen was detected in 33 batches.

The affected tablets were manufactured in India by Cadila Healthcare Limited and distributed in the U.S. by Viona.

Viona Pharmaceuticals responded to the discovery by voluntarily recalling the batches of its metformin hydrochloride extended-release 750 mg tablets, which are sold in 100-count bottles.

Expiration dates on the bottles date from June 2022 to March 2023, according to the FDA.(UK Express)