I think Valsartan is only produced in China and India. It was the China version which had the recall. Never heard of the Indian version being recalled.
I was on the China version at the time...

Doc switched me Losartan. Had side effects and little effect on BP for me.
Doc then switched me to Lisinopril. Get a mild cough infrequently, but that’s about it. BP is much better with it.

I see the doc again next month, and I’m sure we’ll discuss options.

For patients intolerant of ACE inhibitors e.g. lisinopril AND angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) e.g. Lesarten, valsartan, candasartan: calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, nifedipine, and diltiazem are the next line drugs per guidelines, or were three years ago.
They are often combined with a diuretic, HCTZ, chlorthalidone, or sometimes spironolactone (Aldactone). Other choices include beta blockers e.g. metoprolol, atenolol; clonidine; and alpha blockers e.g. Prazosin. We can almost always find some combination that is tolerable and effective.
Sometimes tolerating the cough is best, as lisinopril has so many additional benefits, especially for diabetics.

Benazpril has none of those side effects as near as I can tell.

As far as price check around some BP are free at pharmacies like Publix, I get a little dry cough with lisinopril but it’s better than the gout episode I’d get from hyzzzar.