Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. Recalls Antihistamine Tablets Due to Potential Cross-Contamination with Ranitidine
Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of four lots of 5-milligram cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, a medication commonly used to treat seasonal allergies and hives. The recall was prompted by the discovery that the tablets, manufactured by Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories, may have been cross-contaminated with ranitidine, a drug used to treat heartburn and acid indigestion. The issue was identified by a pharmacy technician who noticed red dots on some of the tablets. While there have been no reported adverse reactions so far, customers with a hypersensitivity to ranitidine may experience serious, potentially life-threatening side effects. These symptoms include anaphylaxis, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, and loss of consciousness. The affected medication is sold in 100-count bottles and was distributed to various wholesalers and retailers across the country. Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. advises customers to contact their healthcare providers if they experience any problems. Consumers can also report quality issues or adverse reactions to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch program.