This Wednesday, Health Canada expanded a national recall for specific type 2 diabetes medications due to concerns that an impurity in the prescription drugs may be linked to cancer.

The recalled medication Metformin is a prescription drug used to control high blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Some lots of the recalled drug contain an organic compound called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), above or close to the acceptable limit.

NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen and safe if taken in small doses. However, studies have revealed that it is possibly carcinogenic above a specified level.

A person taking a drug that contains NDMA at or below the acceptable level every day for 70 years is not expected to have an increased risk of cancer.

We are all exposed to low levels of nitrosamines through a variety of foods (such as smoked and cured meats, dairy products and vegetables), drinking water and air pollution.

Health Canada advises consumers not to stop taking their metformin drug without first discussing options with their health care provider. “Talk to your health care provider to discuss treatment options if you are taking or have taken a recalled product and are concerned about your health.”

Stopping metformin medication without medical consent could lead to uncontrolled diabetes, which can cause serious health problems.

Affected Products

The following is a list of metformin drugs being recalled in Canada at this time. For more information and updates visit Health Canada.

Company: Apotex Inc. Product Name: APO-Metformin ER (Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets) DIN: 02305062 Strength: 500 mg

Company: Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. Product Name: RAN-Metformin DIN: 02269031