Drug Safety Alerts

DSA Information on Caremark.com – Plan Members

Background Information: On July 13, 2018, FDA alerted health care professionals and patients of a voluntary recall of several drug products containing the active ingredient valsartan, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. The recall involved several drug manufacturers.

This recall was issued because an unexpected impurity was found in these products that may cause health risks.

This may represent a potential health hazard or safety risk to plan members who may be using product affected by this recall.

A complete list of the affected products is available here:

Please note: Because valsartan is used in medicines to treat serious medical conditions, the FDA recommends that members should not stop their medicine until they receive replacement product or a different medicine to treat their condition. Please call your doctor right away for advice if you may be using affected product. Your doctor is familiar with your medical history and can suggest the best treatment option for you. If you need a prescription for a different medicine, please contact your doctor.

CVS Caremark Response: If you are currently taking valsartan tablets that have been recalled and you received this medicine from a CVS Caremark Mail Service pharmacy, please call the number on the back of your prescription ID card. We can request a new alternative medication from your doctor and send a postage-paid envelope to return the affected product. If you received recalled product from another pharmacy, please contact that pharmacy.

If you are currently taking valsartan tablets and have questions regarding this recall, please call your doctor or call the FDA consumer inquiry line toll-free at 1‑888‑INFO‑FDA (1‑888‑463‑6332) or visit https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/UCM613532.htm?utm_campaign=Untitled%20Email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua.

For more information regarding Solco Healthcare, you may call 1-888-679-5120 or visit www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613504.htm.

For more information regarding Teva/Actavis, call 1-888-838-2872 or visit https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613729.htm.

For more information regarding Major Pharmaceuticals, call 1-800-616-2471 or visit https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm613625.htm.

For more information regarding AvKare, call 1-855-361-3993 or email: DrugSafety@avkare.com.