Federal health officials are warning that more than 140,000 bottles of cholesterol‑lowering medication have been recalled. The product at issue is 10‑mg Atorvastatin Calcium tablets, a generic version of Lipitor that many people take to keep their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in check.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says the tablets failed a “dissolution” test. In simple terms, the pills didn’t break apart in the body the way they’re supposed to. If a tablet doesn’t dissolve properly, the active ingredient may not reach the bloodstream, which could make the medicine less effective.
The recall is a Class II warning. That means misuse or accidental ingestion could cause problems that are likely to be temporary or reversible. Serious health risks are considered unlikely, but the FDA still urges people to check their medication.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Medicine | Atorvastatin Calcium, generic Lipitor |
| Dosage | 10 mg (prescription only) |
| Company | Made by Alkem Laboratories; shipped by Ascend Laboratories LLC |
| Lot numbers | Eight affected lots |
| Expiration dates | Between July 2026 and February 2027 |
| Bottle sizes | 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle |
If you have a bottle in the pharmacy cabinet, check the lot number and the expiration date. If one of the listed numbers shows up, you should not take that bottle. Instead, contact your pharmacist or call the FDA’s poison control center for instructions on how to return or dispose of the medication safely.
Alkem Laboratories and Ascend Laboratories have not yet issued a statement in response to the FDA notice. The FDA’s enforcement report is publicly available, but the companies may provide additional guidance to consumers and healthcare providers shortly.
Why should you care? Atorvastatin is a statin drug that helps block a liver enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. Millions of people depend on statins to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. If the pills aren’t working as expected, the risk of an unexpected spike in cholesterol rises.
Health experts recommend staying vigilant. Always double‑check the label on your medication and keep an eye out for FDA recalls. If you’re unsure whether your bottle is affected, call your pharmacist. They can help you confirm the lot number and offer a replacement if needed.
For the most current updates, follow the FDA’s recall page or subscribe to the FDA’s alert system. Meanwhile, you can keep a record of your medication’s lot number in a safe place—just in case a recall hits in the future.
Your heart health is worth taking extra care of. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist today to confirm that your cholesterol medication is still safe and effective.
Source: New York Post
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