Forty lifesaving drugs taken by millions are recalled over fears of 'adverse health consequences'

Nearly 40 life-saving medications have been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration over fears of faulty manufacturing. 

All of the medications were generics produced by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc at its factory in India and were initially recalled on March 13. 

The FDA gave the recall a Class II risk level on April 8, which is defined as a product that could cause temporary or medically reversible health effect. 

The drugs were used to treat epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and high blood pressure. Others also target kidney and bladder problems, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats), strokes as well as seizures.

The federal agency noted that the production was in violation of their Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards – rules that ensure medications are made safely and consistently. 

As of now, experts do not expect the recalled tablets to cause any serious illnesses or death in patients.  

According to Glenmark’s website, all of its tablets and capsules have it signature ‘G’ imprinted – making them easily recognizable to patients. 

Patients using any of the 39 recalled medications are advised to contact their pharmacist, physician or medical provider to discuss next steps. 

Patients using any of the 39 recalled medications are advised to contact their pharmacist, physician or medical provider to discuss next steps

Some of the popular drugs that have been listed include Fenofibrate capsules 67 mg (used to lower blood fat levels and help blood pressure), Solifenacin Succinate 10 mg (used to treat bladder problems including an overactive bladder) and Gabapentin tablets 600 mg (used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless leg syndrome). 

The majority of the drugs were prescription only, meaning that most people received them from a pharmacy.

However, certain lots of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals’ acetaminophen and ibuprofen (NSAID) tablets were distributed to Amazon and Walmart. 

Pictured: Glenmark’s Gabapentin tablets 600 mg 

Some of the recalled cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms, were also distributed by Amazon. 

Both shopping giants are yet to comment on whether they will be recalling the tablets. 

In June 2024, 135 batches of blood pressure medication made by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals were also recalled over fears that the pill capsules won’t properly dissolve when ingested by patients.

They initiated a voluntary recall of 114 batches of 750 mg Potassium Chloride in bottles containing 100 and 500 pills, with all of the specific batch numbers and expiration dates listed in a document circulated by the FDA. 

Likewise, American Health Packaging voluntarily recalled 21 batches of the same medicine on behalf of BluePoint Laboratories. 

According to a company announcement, the failed dissolution of the potassium chloride extended release capsules could cause high potassium levels in the blood, also known as hyperkalemia.