Patients who take a common thyroid medication may want to check their prescription bottles after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a nationwide recall of certain levothyroxine sodium tablets because they may contain a less active ingredient than indicated on the labeled bottle.
The recall affects specific lots of levothyroxine sodium tablets distributed by Major Pharmaceuticals, a medication commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and other thyroid-related conditions. The recalled tablets were found to be subpotent, meaning they may not provide the full prescribed dose, according to the FDA.
The recall is limited to certain lots of levothyroxine sodium tablets in strengths ranging from 25 micrograms to 150 micrograms that were distributed nationwide by Major Pharmaceuticals. Only specific lot numbers and expiration dates are included in the recall.
Patients should compare the manufacturer, lot number and expiration date on their prescription packaging with the FDA recall information.
People who believe they have one of the recalled products should contact their pharmacist or health care provider before making changes to their medication.
The affected tablets were recalled after they were determined to be subpotent, meaning they may contain less active ingredient than specified on the label. As a result, patients may receive a lower dose than prescribed, according to the FDA.
The complete list of affected lot numbers is available through the FDA’s recall database.