Antihistamine recall across the U.S. triggered by heartburn drug contamination risk, FDA says

Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories has issued a voluntary recall for specific lots of its cetirizine hydrochloride tablets across the United States. This medication is a generic version of the common allergy drug Zyrtec. The recall began after a pharmacy technician identified visible irregularities in the product, specifically red dots and discoloration on the tablets.

The primary concern involves potential cross-contamination with ranitidine, which is a medication typically used to treat heartburn. While no negative health reactions have been reported to date, the Food and Drug Administration notes that individuals sensitive to ingredients within ranitidine could face serious medical consequences. Symptoms of such reactions include shortness of breath, sudden drops in blood pressure, and difficulty swallowing.

The impacted tablets are distributed by Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. and are sold in 100-count bottles. Four specific lot numbers are affected by this action: GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, and GY825032. All recalled bottles share an expiration date of October 2028.

Consumers who currently possess these tablets should check their bottles against the listed lot numbers. If you find you have a bottle from an affected lot, you should stop use immediately and contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health. Rising Pharma Holdings is managing the collection of these products. For inquiries, you can reach the company at 1-844-874-7464 or through their provided email addresses for quality assurance and safety reporting.