Diovan, Avapro and Cozaar (and other) get FDA Review

Just a short time after a meta-analysis suggested angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for hypertension may increase cancer risk, the FDA has said it will conduct a safety review.

The agency emphasized that patients now receiving these agents may stay on them and that physicians could write new prescriptions.

The studies included data on four of the seven available ARB agents -- losartan (Cozaar), candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan). The other three ARBs now on the market are irbesartan (Avapro), olmesartan (Benicar), and eprosartan (Teveten).

Another 12 products contain one of these agents in combination with other antihypertensives, most commonly a hydrochlorothiazide, according to the FDA.


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