Allergy medication sold nationwide recalled for potentially life-threatening mix-up with wrong pills

Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories has issued a nationwide recall for 5-mg cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, a generic version of Zyrtec. The recall follows a discovery by a pharmacy technician who identified the wrong-colored pills mixed in with the allergy medication. The product may be contaminated with ranitidine, a drug previously used for heartburn and ulcers.

This mix-up poses a significant safety concern. For individuals with a hypersensitivity to ranitidine, consuming these tablets could lead to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. While no illnesses have been reported to date, health officials advise consumers to stop using the medication immediately.

To determine if your medication is part of the recall, check the lot numbers printed on the side of your bottle against the official list provided by the FDA. You can find these details on the FDA website or by contacting the manufacturer. If you have questions about your specific supply, you can reach out to Rising Pharma Holdings at 1-844-874-7464 during business hours.

If you have already taken the medication and are concerned about a reaction, contact your doctor right away. Adverse effects can also be reported through the FDA MedWatch program. Safety should remain the priority for anyone relying on these over-the-counter tablets for allergy relief.