Recall alert for some metformin...

If you are taking metformin, please read the following:

"Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Issues Voluntarily Nationwide Recall of One Lot of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP, 500mg Due to the Detection of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)
Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is voluntarily recalling Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP (generic equivalent of Fortamet®), 500mg, lot G901203 to the consumer level. FDA analysis revealed that this lot exceeded the Acceptable Daily Intake Limit for the impurity N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). To date, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

Risk Statement: NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory tests. NDMA is a known environmental contaminant and found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products and vegetables.

Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP, 500mg is a prescription oral medication indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is packaged in a bottle containing 60 tablets with NDC 68180-336-07.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993
1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332)"

and

"FDA names companies recalling ER metformin
FDA is alerting patients and health care professionals to five companies’ voluntary recalls of certain extended release (ER) metformin drugs. The agency recently announced it was in contact with five companies to recommend they voluntarily recall ER metformin because the agency’s testing showed N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) above the acceptable intake limit in certain lots.
Apotex – All lots
Amneal – All lots
Marksans (labeled as Time-Cap) – One lot (XP9004)
Lupin – One lot (G901203)
Teva (labeled as Actavis) – 14 lots

There are additional companies that manufacturer ER metformin and supply a significant portion of the U.S. market, whose products are not being recalled at this time.

Patients taking recalled ER metformin should continue taking it until a doctor or pharmacist gives them a replacement or a different treatment option. It could be dangerous for patients with type 2 diabetes to stop taking their metformin without first talking to their health care professional. FDA recommends that health care professionals continue to prescribe metformin when clinically appropriate; FDA testing has not shown NDMA in immediate release (IR) metformin products (the most commonly prescribed type of metformin).

FDA updated its laboratory test results showing the levels of NDMA the agency has found in samples of metformin to date. FDA has also posted a second liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC- ESI-HRMS) testing method to provide an option for regulators and industry to detect eight different nitrosamine impurities in metformin drug substances and drug products.

The agency is also asking all companies manufacturing ER metformin to evaluate the risk of their product containing NDMA above the acceptable intake limit and to test at-risk product before each batch is released onto the U.S. market. If testing shows NDMA above the acceptable intake limit, the companies must inform the agency and should not release the batch to the U.S. market."

Don't mean to scare anyone! Just be aware. It's for certain manufacturers of the Extended Release (ER on your label) type of metformin. From reading this link it doesn't seem critical enough for you to immediately stop taking it. Check with your pharmacist if your med is on the list. The manufacturer's name is on the bottle. If in doubt please take your bottle to any pharmacist.

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-and-press-announcements-ndma-metformin#:~:text=fda%20has%20not%20recommended%20metformin,keep%20their%20diabetes%20under%20control.

Hi Marburg! Good to see you again! I hope you're doing well! So many medications can cause problems. My doctor told me not to take ibuprofen because that can affect the kidneys, so I should use Tylenol if I need something for pain/headache but if that is taken too much, it'll cause liver damage. On the other hand, my brother-in-law died last month because of cirrhosis which developed from his drinking [a lot] over many years. (He didn't have diabetes or hepatitis.) The bottom line is we do have to be our own health advocates sometimes and make sure we understand everything we can about our health and the meds prescribed, etc.

I hope you're weathering the virus situation ok! Glad you posted!