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A prescription drug commonly used to treat hypertension has been recalled due to possible cross-contamination.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. has recalled thousands of bottles of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide, according to a report published by the Food and Drug Administration (h/t USA TODAY). The company said testing of reserve samples showed traces of the cholesterol drug ezetimibe present in the tablets.
The recall includes the following dosages manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, India:
- 30-tablet bottles, NDC-68462-878-30. Lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025.
- 100-tablet bottles, NDC-68462-878-01. Lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025.
- 500-tablet bottles, NDC-68462-878-05. Lots 17232401, exp. 11/2025 and 17240974, exp. 05/2026.
The FDA classified the recall as a Class III risk level, which is the case when "use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences," according to its website. Bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide is commonly used for patients with high blood pressure as it blocks beta-1 receptors in the heart, allowing it to beat normally, according to WebMD.
The prescription drug also increases urination, which allows the body to remove sodium and water, while also relaxing blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and decreasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Anyone affected by the recall is advised by GoodRx to contact their pharmacist and prescriber and throw away the medication immediately.