Blood Pressure Medication Recalled After Quality Testing Flags Mix-Up
A blood pressure medication used by thousands of patients is being recalled after routine quality checks pointed out that some tablets may contain tiny traces of a different drug.
The blood pressure medication recall covers several lots of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, a prescription often used to help manage hypertension.
What Triggered the FDA Drug Recall?
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, which supplies the medication to U.S. pharmacies, reviewed testing samples and found small amounts of ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug the company also manufactures.
Even though the levels were low, the discovery prompted a voluntary Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recall so the affected lots could be removed from circulation.
The FDA categorized the issue as a Class III recall, meaning it’s unlikely to cause serious harm, but still requires a follow-up as a precaution.
What Is This Medication Used For?
Bisoprolol and hydrochlorothiazide work together to help keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
One ingredient helps the heart beat more steadily, while the other supports the removal of extra fluid from the body.
Many people take the medication daily, and it’s often prescribed to help lower the risks associated with long-term hypertension.
Which Products Were Affected?
The bisoprolol hydrochlorothiazide recall covers multiple bottle sizes and two different expiration windows. If you think you might be affected, you can check your bottles against this list:
30-Count Bottles
NDC 68462-878-30
Lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025
100-Count Bottles
NDC 68462-878-0
Lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025
500-Count Bottles
NDC 68462-878-05
Lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025
Lot 17240974, exp. 05/2026
Because these medications are so widely dispensed, it’s important to double-check the lot number printed directly on the bottle.
What To Do If You Have One of the Bottles
Neither Glenmark nor the FDA have issued step-by-step instructions, but the general guidance for any hypertension medication recall is usually the same. Patients should:
Confirm the lot number on their medication.
Reach out to the pharmacy that filled the prescription.
Speak with their doctor if they need a replacement.
Recalled medication should not be used once it has been verified as part of the affected lots.
A pharmacist can walk you through how to dispose of the medication safely and help provide a new supply, if needed.
A Practical Reminder
Recalls like this tend to happen before any serious risks reach the public, which is why they often fall into precautionary categories.
Still, they also serve as helpful reminders to double-check labels and stay in touch with your pharmacist if something seems unclear.
If you or a loved one is managing high blood pressure, a quick check of the bottle number is all that’s needed. And, if your medication is part of the recall, your pharmacy can help handle the rest.
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