Millions of People Taking a Popular Antidepressant Face a Recall Due to Cancer-Causing Chemical

You might be one of the millions taking duloxetine, a common antidepressant. Recently, it was found to contain a nasty surprise: a chemical linked to cancer. This chemical, N-nitroso-duloxetine, is a manufacturing byproduct that can also be found in rocket fuel. Yikes! On November 19, the FDA recalled over 233, 003 bottles of duloxetine. These bottles include 30-pill, 90-pill, and 1, 000-pill packs of 60 mg capsules. The risk is listed as 'Class II', meaning it could cause temporary health issues. Stopping the drug suddenly can be dangerous. It can lead to withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, aches, and fatigue. So, if you're taking duloxetine, talk to your doctor before making any changes.

Duloxetine is part of a group of medicines called SSNRIs. These medicines boost brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. More than 23 million Americans take duloxetine each year to treat depression and anxiety. This isn't the first recall for duloxetine. In October, another batch sold as Cymbalta was recalled. No illnesses have been reported, but long-term exposure to nitrosamines can increase cancer risks. The FDA is investigating how nitrosamines get into drugs. They could come from the manufacturing process, storage conditions, or even how the body processes them. If you're taking a medication with potential nitrosamine impurities, chat with your doctor first before stopping.

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