Several drug manufacturers issued recalls for the diabetes drug Metformin because it may contain N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) -- a cancer-causing ingredient -- above the levels allowed by the U.S Food and Drug Administration. Metformin is used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus to manage blood glucose levels.

Consumers who have the recalled medications in their possession are urged to return them to the manufacturer and contact their healthcare providers for an alternative treatment plan.

Here is a look at all the diabetes medications that have been recently recalled.

Lupin Pharmaceuticals

On Wednesday, Lupin Pharmaceuticals recalled all batches of its Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets in 500 and 1,000 mg dosages. The medication was sold in 60-, 90- and 100-count bottles, and was distributed nationwide.

The affected medication carries NDC Nos. 68180-338-01 (500 mg), 68180-339-09 (1,000 mg), with distribution dates from Nov. 21, 2018, to May 27, 2020, as well as NDC Nos. 68180-336-07 (500 mg) and 68180-337-07 (1,000 mg) with distribution dates of Nov. 5, 2018, to May 22, 2020.

Earlier in June, Lupin also recalled Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets sold in 500 mg dosages with lot No. G901203. The diabetes drug was sold in 60-count bottles with NDC No. 68180-336-07. Expiration date on the medication is December 2020.

Granules Pharmaceuticals

Granules Pharmaceuticals has recalled 12 lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets sold in 750 mg dosages. The medication was packaged in 100- and 500-count bottles and distributed nationwide.

The recalled diabetes drug carries NDC Nos. 70010-492-01 (100-count bottles) and 70010-492-05 (500-count bottles). Lot and expiration include 4920003A/May-21, 4920004A/Jun-21, 4920005A/Jun-21, 4920009A/Nov-21, 4920010A/May-22, 4920011A/Jun-22, 4920012A/Jun-22, 4920013A/Jul-22, 4920014A/Jul-22, 4920015A/Aug-22, and 4920016A/Jan-23 for 100-count bottles, and 4920005B/Jun-21 for 500-count bottles.

No other Metformin dosage produced by Granules Pharmaceuticals is included in the recall.

Apotex

Apotex expanded its recall for Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets in 500 mg dosages last month. The initial recall was made on May 29 for all lots of 500 mg dosages. The company stopped selling the medication in February 2019.

The affected diabetes medication for both recalls carroes NDC No. 60505-0260-1. It was distributed nationwide and sold in 100-count bottles.

Teva Pharmaceuticals

Fourteen lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets were recalled by Teva Pharmaceuticals in early-June. The medication included 500 and 750 mg dosages sold in 100- and 1,000-count bottles.

The affected diabetes drug has a range of NDC numbers, lot numbers and expiration dates. A complete list can be viewed here.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals

Amneal Pharmaceuticals recalled all lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets sold in 500 and 750 mg dosages. The drug was packaged in 90-, 100-, 500-, and 1,000-count bottles as well as in bulk boxes.

The drug carries NDC Nos. 53746-178-01, 53746-178-05, 53746-178-10, 53746-178-90, 53746-178-Bulk, 65162-178-09, 65162-178-10, 65162-178-11, and 65162-178-50 for the 500 mg tablets and 53746-179-01, 53746-179-Bulk, and 65162-179-10 for the 750 mg tablets.

Marksans Pharma Limited

Marksans Pharma Limited announced it recalled Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release tablets sold in 500 mg dosages. The affected medication was packaged in 100-count bottles and had NDC No. 49483-623-01. Expiration date of the diabetes drug is December 2020.

four lifestyle tips to stop diabetes and keep blood sugars low
four lifestyle tips to stop diabetes and keep blood sugars low stevepb - Pixabay
RELATED STORIES