Major Generic Drug Recall Affects Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

If you live in Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin, now is a good time to double-check your prescriptions. Recalls like this freak me out a little bit, because it has to do with what essentially comes down to "tainted medications." It's concerning not knowing exactly what you're putting into your body is safe, and is also doing what is intended.

The FDA has issued a recall for nearly 40 generic drugs manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. Here's why: a recent inspection at one of Glenmark’s plants in India uncovered serious manufacturing issues. These included concerns about cross-contamination, inadequate quality testing, and poor production practices.

Get our free mobile app

While the recall is classified as Class II, meaning the risk to health is considered temporary or medically reversible, it still affects an extensive range of medications that some people take each day. A report from Health.com stated that the FDA hasn’t released specific guidance for consumers, so it's important to be proactive if you think you might be affected.

Here’s a full list of the recalled drugs and what they’re typically used for:

• Fenofibrate capsules – lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
• Propafenone ER capsules – treats irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
• Solifenacin succinate tablets – for overactive bladder
• Voriconazole tablets – antifungal for serious infections
• Gabapentin tablets – for nerve pain and seizures
• Lacosamide tablets – for partial-onset seizures
• Frovatriptan tablets – for migraine relief
• Rufinamide tablets – for seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Nitroglycerin tablets (sublingual) – relieves chest pain (angina)
• Pravastatin sodium tablets – lowers cholesterol
• Fluphenazine hydrochloride tablets – antipsychotic for mental health conditions
• Metformin ER tablets – for type 2 diabetes
• Indomethacin ER capsules – NSAID for arthritis and inflammation
• Saxagliptin tablets – for blood sugar control in diabetes
• Teriflunomide tablets – for multiple sclerosis
• Ranolazine ER tablets – treats chronic angina
• Carvedilol tablets – for high blood pressure and heart failure
• Prochlorperazine tablets – for nausea, vomiting, and schizophrenia
• Rosuvastatin tablets – lowers cholesterol
• Colesevelam hydrochloride tablets – lowers LDL cholesterol
• Diltiazem ER capsules – for high blood pressure and chest pain
• Clindamycin capsules – antibiotic
• Naproxen sodium tablets – NSAID for pain and inflammation
• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen combo tablets – OTC pain and fever relief
• Cetirizine hydrochloride tablets – for seasonal allergies

Some of the drugs listed here I even use for seasonal allergies, so I am going to have to sort through my medicine cabinet as well. In fact, many of these medications were distributed through pharmacies across the Midwest. This also includes online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Some, like cetirizine and the acetaminophen/ibuprofen combo, are also available over-the-counter.

Make sure to check your medicine bottles and boxes for Glenmark as the manufacturer. If you find a match, stop using the medication and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a replacement, as they should be aware of the FDA recall. Then make sure to dispose of the recalled medication safely. In some cases, your local pharmacy or police station may have a take-back program. You can find full recall details, including lot numbers and expiration dates, in the FDA’s enforcement report.