Diabetes Medication Recall 2020: More Metformin Recalled For Cancer Fears

Following two other recalls from Apotox Corp. and Amneal Pharmaceuticals for the diabetes drug Metformin because of higher than acceptable levels of Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a cancer-causing ingredient, Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) has recalled 14 lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets because they may also have high levels of NDMA.

The affected Metformin tablets are used to improve blood glucose levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The recalled medication was sold as a prescription drug in 500 mg and 750 mg doses, sold in 100- and 1000-count bottles.

The Metformin was packaged under the Actavis Pharma label and was distributed nationwide from Jan. 8, 2019 to May 27, 2020. The recall includes a range of NDC numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates. View the complete list of recalled diabetes medications and their labels here.

The diabetes medication in the 500 mg dosage are a white to off-white capsule-shaped tablets with the Andrx logo debossed on them and “571” on one side and “500” on the other side. The diabetes medication in the 750 mg dosage are light-yellow capsule-shaped tablets with the Andrx logo debossed on them and “577” on one side and “750” on the other side.

Consumers are advised to continue taking the recalled medication and to contact their healthcare provider for an alternative drug treatment. It may be more dangerous to stop taking Metformin without the advice of a healthcare professional.

Questions and adverse effects from the medication can be directed to Teva Medical Information at 1-888-838-2872 (Option 3, then Option 4), from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET or by email at druginfo@tevapharm.com. Voicemail is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To return the recalled medication, customers can contact Inmar at 1-855-532-1850, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or by email at tevarecalls@inmar.com. Inmar will provide the materials needed to return the recalled medication and provide instructions for reimbursement.

Shares of Teva stock were up 0.63% as of market close on Friday.