To patients and their families

September 5, 2022

Regarding detection of “potentially carcinogenic substances” in amoxapine preparations

​N-nitroamoxapine (hereinafter referred to as nitrosamines), which is a “potentially carcinogenic substance”, has been found to be mixed in “Amoxane Capsules” and “Amoxane Fine Granules”, which are therapeutic agents for depression and depressive conditions. As it became clear, after setting up a period for switching prescription drugs, shipment suspension and voluntary recall will be carried out in February​ ​2023.

<Target formulation>

• Amoxane Capsules 10mg Amoxane Capsules 25mg
• Amoxane capsules 50mg Amoxane fine granules 10 %

Patients who have received a prescription from our hospital and are currently taking it may experience withdrawal symptoms Pharmacist they stop taking it. Please contact us.

​Please click here for the guidance document from the sales company to the patient.

<Opinion as our hospital>

Nitrosamines are known to be contained in meat, dairy products, grilled vegetables, etc., and we normally ingest them to some extent in our daily lives. Long-term intake of nitrosamines in excess of permissible levels may increase the risk of carcinogenesis. It is unknown whether the N-nitrosoamoxapine detected this time has carcinogenicity.

Currently, this drug is being prescribed to some patients at our hospital, but it is scheduled to be suspended from shipment, and it will be difficult to continue taking it in the future. Patients who are taking this drug are considering changing to other drugs at any time while checking the situation at the time of examination.

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital

Director Takahiko Misumi

(September 1, 2022 Created by the Department of Pharmacy)