For years, many people took Valsartan, believing it was safely managing their blood pressure. Then came the shocking news: several batches had been contaminated with NDMA, a cancer-causing chemical. The contamination wasn’t a fluke — it stemmed from poor manufacturing practices at overseas facilities, where corners were cut and safety standards ignored.
By the time the recalls began, countless patients had already been exposed. Now, lawsuits are growing nationwide as more individuals step forward after receiving cancer diagnoses potentially linked to the contaminated drug. For those affected, this isn’t just a product recall — it feels like a devastating breach of trust with life-altering consequences.
At the Ferrell Law Group, our dangerous drug lawyers have more than 35 years of experience standing up to negligent pharmaceutical companies. Our team is actively investigating Valsartan claims nationwide and offers free, no-obligation consultations to those who may have been harmed. If you or someone you love has been harmed by Valsartan, our lawyers can help you find out if you're eligible for a lawsuit.
Why Valsartan Was Pulled From Shelves
Valsartan (also sold as Diovan and in combination drugs like Valsartan-HCTZ) was recalled in 2018 after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that certain lots contained NDMA, a probable human carcinogen. This toxic compound was not an accidental byproduct of the drug itself but rather the result of shortcuts in the manufacturing process — specifically, the reuse of solvents and inadequate filtration during the production of its active ingredient overseas.
Pharmaceutical companies sourcing from these facilities failed to monitor safety or inform the public. Instead, contaminated pills were distributed for years across the U.S. Patients were never warned.
These failures are the basis of ongoing lawsuits, which accuse drug companies of negligence, failure to warn, and placing profits ahead of patient safety.
Health Risks and Cancer Diagnoses Linked to Valsartan
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the FDA, EPA, and World Health Organization. Prolonged exposure can damage DNA, disrupt organ function, and significantly increase the risk of several serious health conditions. Many individuals taking Valsartan regularly over extended periods are now reporting cancer diagnoses tied to NDMA exposure. The most commonly linked cancers include:
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Intestinal cancer
- Certain blood cancers
- Early-onset prostate cancer (diagnosed before age 65)
Other health risks include kidney damage, liver disease, and gastrointestinal complications. These are not speculative harms — they are real diagnoses affecting real people who trusted their medication.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after taking Valsartan, it’s important to learn whether you may qualify for compensation. Dangerous drug attorneys can help determine your eligibility and protect your right to recover damages.
Who May Be Liable?
Valsartan lawsuits are not limited to a single manufacturer. Several companies across the drug supply chain may be held accountable. Understanding who is responsible is essential to building a strong claim. Here’s who may be legally liable:
- Overseas Manufacturers: Companies in China and India produced Valsartan’s contaminated active ingredients and failed to implement proper quality control.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Some manufacturers distributed the drug without testing for impurities, even after contamination was suspected.
- Distributors and Wholesalers: U.S.-based companies that handled and sold the tainted medication may also share liability.
- Retail Pharmacies: Some pharmacies continued selling recalled batches, exposing patients even after public warnings were issued.
Taking legal action against any of these companies requires an experienced legal team that understands pharmaceutical litigation and can trace where the contamination occurred and who profited at the expense of patient safety.
What Must Be Proven in a Valsartan Lawsuit?
Filing a successful Valsartan cancer lawsuit involves proving several elements. Individuals must show that they took a recalled version of the drug and were later diagnosed with a qualifying health condition. Key elements of a claim typically include:
- Use of Contaminated Medication: Pharmacy records and prescription history can help confirm that the individual took Valsartan from a recalled batch.
- Cancer Diagnosis: Medical records must show a diagnosis of cancer or other serious health conditions associated with NDMA exposure.
- Duration of Use: Most lawsuits involve patients who took the drug consistently for six months or longer.
- Causation and Damages: The connection between contaminated Valsartan and the patient’s illness must be supported by medical evidence, along with proof of the impact — such as treatment costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Navigating these elements is difficult without legal support. A qualified attorney can help gather medical documentation, work with experts, and file a strong case aimed at maximizing compensation.
Compensation in Valsartan Lawsuits
Lawsuits filed against Valsartan manufacturers seek compensation for a wide range of losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for cancer treatment, hospital stays, diagnostic testing, and ongoing care.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by the illness.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one passed away from Valsartan-related cancer, families may be entitled to additional damages.
Many of these cases are part of ongoing mass tort litigation. While each claim is evaluated individually, successful lawsuits can result in substantial settlements or verdicts.
Valsartan Lawsuits Continue to Grow — Don’t Wait to Act
Thousands of people have already come forward to file Valsartan lawsuits, and the litigation continues to expand. If you took Valsartan and developed cancer or another serious health condition, time may be running out to file a claim. Every state has its own deadlines for defective drug lawsuits, and waiting too long can mean losing the right to recover compensation.
Don’t let corporate negligence go unanswered. Speak with a trusted Valsartan attorney today and take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.