According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories is recalling nationwide lots of 5-mg cetirizine hydrochloride tablets—an over-the-counter antihistamine commonly sold as a generic version of Zyrtec—due to cross-contamination with ranitidine, a medication formerly marketed as Zantac used for heartburn and indigestion. The mix-up poses life-threatening anaphylaxis risks for individuals with ranitidine hypersensitivity, though Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. reports no illnesses have been tied to the recall so far.
How the Contaminated Allergy Medication Was Discovered
A pharmacy technician spotted the dangerous pill mix-up while counting allergy tablets, according to the FDA. The worker noticed wrong-colored pills inside the bottles of 5-mg cetirizine hydrochloride, prompting an investigation and subsequent nationwide recall. The affected over-the-counter antihistamine bottles feature specific identifying lot numbers printed directly on the sides.
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Health Risks and Consumer Response
Taking the contaminated medication could trigger severe hypersensitivity reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis, according to federal regulators. Consumers possessing bottles of the recalled 5-mg antihistamine should check their packaging against the exact lot numbers published on the FDA’s official website. Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. has established a direct communication channel for customer inquiries regarding the affected inventory.
Contact Information and Adverse Event Reporting
Consumers with questions can contact Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. at 1-844-874-7464. Representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Inquiries can also be sent via email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Patients experiencing adverse reactions from the medication should contact a physician immediately and submit reports through the FDA’s online reporting portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product is being recalled?
Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories is recalling 5-mg cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, a generic version of Zyrtec, according to the FDA.
What is the contaminant found in the tablets?
The bottles may contain ranitidine, a medication previously known by the brand name Zantac and used for heartburn and ulcers, according to federal regulators.
Who discovered the mix-up?
A pharmacy technician discovered the contamination while manually counting allergy tablets after noticing wrong-colored pills inside the bottles, according to the FDA.
Are there any reported injuries or illnesses?
To date, no illnesses have been associated with this nationwide recall, according to statements released by federal officials.
How can consumers contact the company?
Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. can be reached by phone at 1-844-874-7464 on weekdays or through email at [email protected] and [email protected].
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