Nisha Pandey

Is Your Allergy Medicine Safe? FDA Recalls Antihistamine Tablets Over Life-Threatening Contamination Concerns

Millions of Americans rely on cetirizine, the generic version of Zyrtec, to keep seasonal allergies at bay. But a recent nationwide recall has raised concerns after some tablets were found to be contaminated with another medication, prompting <span>FDA</span> to warn consumers to check their medicine bottles.

The <span>US Food and Drug Administration</span> (FDA) has announced that India-based company <span>Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories</span>, a division of J.B. Chemicals &amp; Pharmaceuticals Ltd., is voluntarily recalling four lots of <span>Cetirizine Hydrochloride</span> Tablets USP 5 mg because of potential cross-contamination with <span>ranitidine</span>, a medication used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers.

<h2>Why Was The Allergy Medicine Recalled?</h2>

According to the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cyclospora-parasite-cdc-fda-trace-outbreak-in-5-states-to-taco-bell-lettuce-supplier-article-155114568" data-type="tilCustomLink">FDA</a>, the recall was initiated after a pharmacy technician noticed unusual tablets. Some cetirizine tablets had red dots or discoloration, which led to a proper investigation. The company later confirmed that certain tablets had been cross-contaminated with ranitidine during manufacturing.

The FDA, in its recall announcement, said, "Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories is voluntarily recalling four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg to the consumer level due to cross contamination with Ranitidine." 

Although no adverse events have been reported so far, the company is recalling the medication as a precaution because taking an unintended drug could pose health risks for certain patients.

<h2>Why Is Cross-Contamination A Grave Concern?</h2>

Cross-contamination occurs when traces of one medication accidentally end up in another drug during manufacturing or packaging.

In this case, people expecting to take an <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/allergic-rhinitis-affects-1-in-10-indian-adults-heres-why-monsoon-makes-it-worse-and-what-helps-article-155076890" data-type="tilCustomLink">allergy medicine</a> could unknowingly consume ranitidine which could lead to adverse effects.

While ranitidine was once commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn. The medication decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach, according to <em>MedlinePlus </em>and the <em>U.S. National Library of Medicine</em>.

The accidental exposure is particularly concerning for people who are hypersensitive to ranitidine or its ingredients.

According to the FDA, these individuals could experience reactions ranging from mild allergic symptoms to potentially life-threatening conditions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/common-antidepressant-may-ease-one-of-long-covids-debilitating-symptoms-landmark-trial-suggests-article-155145036" data-type="tilCustomLink">Common Antidepressant May Ease One Of Long COVID's Debilitating Symptoms, Landmark Trial Suggests</a>

<h2>Which Medicines Are Affected In The Recall?</h2>

Consumers should check the lot numbers listed in the FDA recall notice to determine whether their medication is affected. The recall involves:

<ul><li>Product: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/world-allergy-day-hidden-allergy-triggers-at-home-you-may-be-overlooking-article-154987195" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg</a></li><li>Package: 100-count HDPE bottles</li><li>Distributor: Rising Pharma Holdings Inc.</li><li>Expiration: October 2028</li><li>National Drug Code No. – 16571-401-10</li><li>Lot numbers – GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, GY825032</li></ul>

<h2>What Are The Potential Health Risks? </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/wildfire-smoke-could-hurt-ivf-success-heres-why-doctors-say-you-may-want-to-delay-your-appointment-article-155139612" data-type="tilCustomLink">Wildfire Smoke Could Hurt IVF Success; Here's Why Doctors Say You May Want To Delay Your Appointment</a>

Although Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories said it has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to the recalled tablets, the contamination could pose a serious risk for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ranitidine.

According to the recall notice, individuals who unknowingly take the contaminated tablets could experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/uk-mandates-life-saving-allergy-pens-in-all-schools-under-benedicts-law-article-154951178" data-type="tilCustomLink">anaphylaxis</a> may include:

Before You Take Another Paracetamol, Watch This | Doctors Explain the Hidden Risk

<ul><li>Difficulty swallowing</li><li>Loss of consciousness</li><li>Hypotension (low blood pressure)</li><li>Dyspnea (shortness of breath)</li><li>Angioedema (sudden swelling beneath the skin)</li><li>Swelling of the throat or face</li><li>Pruritus (itching)</li><li>Urticaria (hives)</li></ul>

<h2>What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Medication?</h2>

Consumers who have the affected cetirizine tablets should stop using the product and check whether their bottle belongs to one of the recalled lots. Anyone who develops symptoms like swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives, or dizziness after taking the medication should seek immediate medical attention.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

is-your-allergy-medicine-safe-fda-recalls-antihistamine-tablets-over-life-threatening-contamination-concerns

ranitidine

cetirizine hydrochloride

us food and drug administration

unique pharmaceutical laboratories

Antihistamine

could-glp-1-weight-loss-drugs-help-people-take-fewer-sick-days-new-study-says-so

Could GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Help People Take Fewer Sick Days? New Study Says So

ebola-cases-rise-as-un-warns-health-workers-face-growing-risk

Ebola Outbreak In Congo: UN Warns Frontline Responders As Cases Surface In New Areas

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Millions of Americans rely on cetirizine, the generic version of Zyrtec, to keep seasonal allergies at bay. But a recent nationwide recall has raised concerns after some tablets were found to be contaminated with another medication, prompting FDA to warn consumers to check their medicine bottles.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that India-based company Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories, a division of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., is voluntarily recalling four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg because of potential cross-contamination with ranitidine, a medication used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers.Why Was The Allergy Medicine Recalled?According to the FDA, the recall was initiated after a pharmacy technician noticed unusual tablets. Some cetirizine tablets had red dots or discoloration, which led to a proper investigation. The company later confirmed that certain tablets had been cross-contaminated with ranitidine during manufacturing.The FDA, in its recall announcement, said, "Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories is voluntarily recalling four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg to the consumer level due to cross contamination with Ranitidine." Although no adverse events have been reported so far, the company is recalling the medication as a precaution because taking an unintended drug could pose health risks for certain patients. Why Is Cross-Contamination A Grave Concern?Cross-contamination occurs when traces of one medication accidentally end up in another drug during manufacturing or packaging.In this case, people expecting to take an allergy medicine could unknowingly consume ranitidine which could lead to adverse effects.While ranitidine was once commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn. The medication decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach, according to MedlinePlus and the U.S. National Library of Medicine.The accidental exposure is particularly concerning for people who are hypersensitive to ranitidine or its ingredients.According to the FDA, these individuals could experience reactions ranging from mild allergic symptoms to potentially life-threatening conditions.Also read: Common Antidepressant May Ease One Of Long COVID's Debilitating Symptoms, Landmark Trial SuggestsWhich Medicines Are Affected In The Recall?Consumers should check the lot numbers listed in the FDA recall notice to determine whether their medication is affected. The recall involves:Product: Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mgPackage: 100-count HDPE bottlesDistributor: Rising Pharma Holdings Inc.Expiration: October 2028National Drug Code No. – 16571-401-10Lot numbers – GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, GY825032What Are The Potential Health Risks? Also read: Wildfire Smoke Could Hurt IVF Success; Here's Why Doctors Say You May Want To Delay Your AppointmentAlthough Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories said it has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to the recalled tablets, the contamination could pose a serious risk for people who are allergic or hypersensitive to ranitidine.According to the recall notice, individuals who unknowingly take the contaminated tablets could experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:         Difficulty swallowingLoss of consciousnessHypotension (low blood pressure)Dyspnea (shortness of breath)Angioedema (sudden swelling beneath the skin)Swelling of the throat or facePruritus (itching)Urticaria (hives)What Should You Do If You Have The Recalled Medication?Consumers who have the affected cetirizine tablets should stop using the product and check whether their bottle belongs to one of the recalled lots. Anyone who develops symptoms like swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives, or dizziness after taking the medication should seek immediate medical attention.

is your allergy medicine safe? fda recalls antihistamine tablets over life-threatening contamination concerns

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Is Your Allergy Medicine Safe? FDA Recalls Antihistamine Tablets Over Life-Threatening Contamination Concerns

Could GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Help People Take Fewer Sick Days? New Study Says So

Ebola Outbreak In Congo: UN Warns Frontline Responders As Cases Surface In New Areas

India Vaccinates Over 5.2 Million Girls Against HPV To Fight Cervical Cancer

Health Conditions A-Z

Could GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Help People Take Fewer Sick Days? New Study Says So

Is Your Allergy Medicine Safe? FDA Recalls Antihistamine Tablets Over Life-Threatening Contamination Concerns

Ebola Outbreak In Congo: UN Warns Frontline Responders As Cases Surface In New Areas