Accuretic

NOTE - Accuretic - Arrow-Quinapril (quinapril without hydrochlorothiazide) is not affected

 

Please keep taking your Accuretic until you have spoken to your doctor. The low risks to your health from the cancer causing contaminants until then, are much lower than stopping taking your blood pressure lowering medicine

 

What has happened

 

Recent batches of Accuretic, quinapril with hydrochlorothiazide, have been found to have small amounts of contaminants (called nitrosamines) as a by-product of the manufacturing process. These types of substances may increase your risk of getting cancer if you are exposed to them above acceptable levels over long periods of time. Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines and you may have heard of them as they are also commonly found in foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy products and vegetables.

 

Pfizer, the company that makes Accuretic are unable to supply non contaminated stock in a reasonable timeframe. Because of this, you will have to change your medication.

 

What should you do?

 

You should keep taking Accuretic as prescribed until you have your new treatment. Nitrosamines pose a low risk, there are greater risks to your health if you stop taking Accuretic.

 

When you are next due a repeat, you need to talk to your healthcare professional to get a prescription for a new high blood pressure medicine. There are good alternatives.

 

We acknowledge that changing medicines can be disruptive. We appreciate your patience.

 

For more information

https://pharmac.govt.nz/medicine-funding-and-supply/medicine-notices/accuretic/