Valsartan should continue to be taken unless users have alternative medicine available, the Public Health Superintendence said today.

In a statement, the superintendence said it is following the developments with regard to Valsartan, which was found by the European Medicines Authority to have an impurity in one of the ingredients manufactured in China.

Health authorities started procedures to import the medicine from other countries, and the public should refer to pharmacists for guidance.

Unless alternative medicine is available, patients taking the medicine should continue using it as serious health consequences could result if the medicine is stopped.

Valsartan is a drug used for high blood pressure and heart conditions.