FEARS A major heart drug has been recalled over cancer fears. File picture

Valsartan, which is often prescribed to patients recovering from a heart attack, is feared to have been contaminated with an impurity called NDMA - which causes cancer.

Patients with high blood pressure and heart conditions have been urged to check their medication.

The pills affected were made by Actavis Group PTC (now Accord) and Dexcel Pharma Ltd.

RECALL The drug is used to treat high blood pressure

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said patients should speak to their doctor to help identify an alternative medication.

A statement added: “An investigation into other potentially impacted products is currently being undertaken and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.”

The drug was recalled across Europe after a change in the manufacturing process at a Chinese factory led to the contamination.

A statement from Accord said: “Accord-UK Limited formally known as Actavis UK limited have not sold or distributed valsartan since January 2017.

“However, since we were made aware of the problem from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that there is a potential impurity issue with the supply of valsartan active substance from a third-party facility, we have taken immediate steps to recall the drug at a pharmacy level in accordance with the MRHA guidelines to ensure that any packs that might be still be on pharmacy shelves are returned."

It added: “Patients prescribed valsartan should speak to their local healthcare professional for further advice.

“At present there is no evidence that this impurity has caused any harm to patients and the recall is a precautionary measure.”

Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals provide the active ingredient for valsartan that Accord supplies.