The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recalled three batches of losartan tablets over fears of contamination with the nitrosamine N-nitroso-N-methylamino butyric acid (NMBA).

The recall is part of an investigation into potential nitrosamine contamination of sartan-containing medicines which are used to treat blood pressure, heart attacks and heart failure.

The MHRA said there was “no evidence that nitrosamine impurities can cause harm” and urged patients to continue taking their medication.

“The MHRA continues to monitor the situation in the UK and are comprehensively investigating the issue alongside the European Medicines Agency and the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines,” the MHRA said.

Last year N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was identified in the medication valsartan at a facility in China and the MHRA recalled batches of valsartan-containing tablets to pharmacy level due to possible NDMA and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) contamination.

Earlier this year, the MHRA recalled batches of irbesartan-containing tablets after fears grew of possible contamination with NDEA.