FDA recalls 11,000 bottles of common blood pressure medication

More than 11,000 bottles of a commonly prescribed blood pressure medication are being recalled after concerns emerged that the tablets may not dissolve properly. The recall involves Chlorthalidone Tablets, USP, 25 mg, a medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and help reduce the risk of strokes and heart problems. The recall affects a total of 11,460 bottles of Chlorthalidone.

The affected products include 100-tablet bottles with NDC number 64980-599-01 and batch code RISA24001, and 1,000-tablet bottles with NDC number 64980-599-10 and batch code RISB24002. Both recalled products carry an expiration date of April 2027.

Why are the meds being recalled?

According to the recall notice, there may be an issue with how the tablets dissolve. That is a problem considering that medications need to dissolve properly in the body in order to deliver the intended dose. If a tablet doesn't dissolve as expected, patients may not receive the full therapeutic effect of the medication.

For people managing high blood pressure, that could mean the drug doesn't work as effectively as intended.

What should patients do?

Health officials say patients should not stop taking their medication on their own. Health officials specifically advise patients not to discontinue treatment without first speaking to a healthcare provider, as stopping blood pressure medication abruptly can create its own health risks.

Instead, anyone who has Chlorthalidone tablets should check the bottle's NDC number and batch code, compare those numbers with the recalled products, and contact a pharmacist or healthcare provider if their medication matches the recall. 

So, if Chlorthalidone is sitting in your medicine cabinet, checking the bottle should find its way to your to-do list today.

Source: The BAYNET