Over 11,000 Bottles of Blood Pressure Medication Recalled Nationwide
More than 11,000 bottles of a widely used blood pressure medication have been pulled from shelves across the country after testing revealed traces of a cholesterol drug in the supply.
What Was Recalled
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., headquartered in Elmwood Park, N.J., voluntarily recalled 11,136 bottles of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets — sold under the brand name Ziac — after routine testing of reserve samples detected traces of ezetimibe, a prescription cholesterol-lowering drug that Glenmark also manufactures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported the recall on Dec. 1.
The affected medication is a combination pill used to treat high blood pressure by helping the heart maintain a more regular rhythm while also acting as a diuretic to reduce sodium and water in the body. Keeping blood pressure in check reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The recalled tablets come in 2.5-milligram and 6.25-milligram doses and were distributed in 30-count, 100-count and 500-count bottles.
How to Identify the Affected Bottles
The recall covers the following lot codes and expiration dates:
30-count bottles (NDC 68462-878-30): lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025; lot 17240974, exp. 05/2026
100-count bottles (NDC 68462-878-01): lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025; lot 17240974, exp. 05/2026
500-count bottles (NDC 68462-878-05): lot 17232401, exp. 11/2025; lot 17240974, exp. 05/2026
Patients should check the lot number printed on their bottle's label and compare it against the above information.
How Serious Is the Risk?
The FDA classified this as a Class III recall, the lowest of three risk levels. Class III means the agency considers use of or exposure to the affected product "not likely to cause adverse health consequences." No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported in connection with the recalled medication.
That said, anyone who has one of the affected bottles should not stop taking their blood pressure medication without first speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. Abruptly discontinuing a blood pressure drug can trigger a rebound spike in blood pressure, which carries its own health risks. The appropriate step is to contact a prescriber or pharmacist, who can arrange a replacement supply.
What to Do
Patients with questions can reach the FDA directly at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). Glenmark has not yet issued specific disposal instructions for recalled bottles, so patients should wait for guidance from their healthcare provider before discarding medication.
High blood pressure affects nearly half of all American adults, making medications in this class among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the country. This recall is a reminder to periodically check lot numbers on prescription bottles, particularly when a manufacturer issues a voluntary withdrawal.
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