PurposeRegulators are increasingly concerned with  the impact of recalls on drug adherence. In 2018, N-nitrosamines impurities were detected in valsartan containing medical products. Concerned products were immediately recalled in July 2018 by regulatory agencies internationally. In Germany, recalls were issued for valsartan, losartan and irbesartan from July 2018 to March 2019. This study examined angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) utilization trends and switching patterns in Germany before and after July 2018.MethodsPatients prescribed ARBs from January 2014 to June 2020 in general practices in Germany were included in a collaborative framework common protocol drug utilization study led by the US Food and Drug Administration. Trends in monthly and quarterly proportions of total ARB prescribing were analysed for individual ARBs using descriptive statistics and interrupted time series analysis. The rate of switching to an alternative ARB was analysed before and after the recalls.ResultsThe proportion of valsartan prescriptions immediately decreased from 35.9 to 17.8% following the first recalls in July 2018, mirrored by an increased proportion for candesartan. Increased switching from valsartan to candesartan was observed. No increased switching was observed after losartan recalls, whereas for irbesartan, increased switching was observed 6–12 months after the last recall. Increased switching from ARBs to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or ARB treatment discontinuations were not observed.ConclusionThis study showed that patients were able to continue ARB treatment despite the July 2018–March 2019 recalls, although many patients needed to switch to an alternative ARB. The duration of the impact of ARB recalls appeared to be limited.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00228-022-03439-3.