Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. has issued a recall of over 11,100 bottles of its blood pressure medication, Ziac, due to potential cross-contamination with another drug. The medication, which is used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may contain ezetimibe, a drug used to treat high cholesterol. The recall was initiated after testing of reserve samples revealed the presence of ezetimibe.
The affected pills come in 2.5mg and 6.25mg doses and are packaged in 30-count, 100-count, and 500-count bottles. The recall includes specific lot numbers with expiration dates ranging from November 2025 to May 2026. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall is classified as Class III, meaning that the use or exposure to the product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
Bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide, the active ingredients in Ziac, work by blocking beta-1 receptors in the heart, allowing it to return to a regular heartbeat. The medication is commonly used to treat high blood pressure, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
The FDA has not provided guidance on what patients should do if their medication is affected by the recall. The Independent has reached out to the FDA and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals for comment, but so far, no further information has been provided. Patients who are taking Ziac and are concerned about the recall should consult with their healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on what to do next.
The recall highlights the importance of ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. Cross-contamination can occur during the manufacturing process, and it is crucial for pharmaceutical companies to have rigorous testing and quality control measures in place to prevent such incidents. The FDA and pharmaceutical companies must work together to ensure that medications are safe and effective for patients to use.