More Than 33,000 Blood Pressure Drugs Have Been Recalled Nationwide

Chances are you know someone with high blood pressure, or hypertension. Nearly 120 million American adults have the condition, according to Million Hearts, a national initiative spearheaded by public health experts.

To treat it, around 65 million people have been prescribed metoprolol, often referred to as Lopressor, per 2022 data from market research firm Statista.

Metoprolol is a type of beta-blocker that’s often prescribed to lower your “blood pressure and heart rate, making it easier for your heart to pump blood to the rest of your body,” says the Cleveland Clinic. But if you take this medication, you may want to read its label carefully or contact your pharmacy for more information, as bottles are being recalled across the country.

In late June, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that 33,024 bottles of Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release Tablets have been recalled nationwide. This recall applies to 100-count and 500-count bottles, both reportedly containing 25-milligram (mg) tablets and are available by prescription only.

The agency lists “failed dissolution specifications” as the reason for the recall. It states that the product “failed to meet dissolution acceptance criteria in the stability studies at the 6th month.” The FDA explains that “failed dissolution“ typically means that the active ingredient in a dosage doesn’t dissolve properly, which doesn’t allow the body to absorb the medication.

The FDA shares the following additional information about the recalled products:

• 100-count bottle
  • National Drug Code (NDC): 70010-780-01
  • Lot #: 1400008A
  • Exp Date: 2025/12
  • Product quantity: 27,648 bottles
• 500-count bottle
  • NDC: 70010-780-05
  • Lot #: 1400008B
  • Exp Date: 2025/12
  • Product quantity: 5,376 bottles

According to the FDA report, the recall was voluntarily initiated on June 24 by Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Chantilly, Virginia. It appears the drug was likely manufactured for the company by Granules India Limited.

It’s good practice to contact your pharmacy or physician if you think you may have one of the affected bottles.

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