Allergy medication recalled over potentially ‘life-threatening’ cross-contamination - The Hill

What the report says

The Hill reported that Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories has voluntarily recalled four lots of cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, an over-the-counter allergy medicine, after a potential cross-contamination with ranitidine. The recall notice was shared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to the report. Cetirizine is commonly used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat and irritated eyes.

The affected products are 5 mg cetirizine hydrochloride tablets sold in 100-count HDPE bottles and distributed nationwide by Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. The recalled lot numbers are GY825029, GY825030, GY825031 and GY825032, all with an expiration date of October 2028. The issue was reportedly identified after a pharmacy technician noticed a red dot on some tablets and discoloration on others.

The concern is that some people may be hypersensitive to ranitidine ingredients. The recall notice warned that exposure could trigger serious reactions, including severe hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis, with symptoms such as low blood pressure, breathing or swallowing problems, swelling of the face or throat, hives, itching or loss of consciousness. The Hill reported that no adverse events linked to the recalled medication had been reported at the time of the notice.

Rising Pharma has contacted affected customers by email to arrange product returns. Consumers with questions can contact the company at 1-844-874-7464 during business hours, or by email at pv@risingpharma.com or qa@risingpharma.com. The Hill also noted that ranitidine had previously been pulled from the market in 2020 during an FDA safety review, before a reformulated version was approved last year.