Allergy medication recalled over potentially dangerous contamination

Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories has issued a nationwide recall for four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride, a generic version of the popular allergy medication Zyrtec. The recall follows concerns over potential cross-contamination with ranitidine, a common heartburn drug.

The contamination risk surfaced after a pharmacy technician observed unexpected red dots on the tablets during a standard inventory count. While there are currently no reported adverse health events linked to this specific issue, health officials warn that individuals with hypersensitivity to ranitidine ingredients could face severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, hypotension, and difficulty breathing.

Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. distributed the affected tablets in 100-count, 5-mg bottles. These products are marked with an October 2028 expiration date and include lot numbers GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, and GY825032. If you have these specific bottles in your possession, you should stop using them immediately.

Consumers should check their medicine cabinets for these specific lot numbers. If you possess any of the recalled medication, please reach out to Rising Pharma Holdings at 1-844-874-7464 or email them at pv@risingpharma.com or qa@risingpharma.com for further guidance. You should also consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about past usage of these tablets.