You may not realize it but your diabetes medication, metformin extended release, has been recalled. One of the places to look for information on recalls of medications is the Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts page on the FDA website.
The recall, on May 28, is for Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500mg by a pharmaceutical company. N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) was found in the medication.
NDMA is a substance that causes severe liver damage in animals and in humans. According to the CDC, “NDMA is very harmful to the liver of animals and humans. People who were intentionally poisoned on one or several occasions with unknown levels of NDMA in beverage or food died of severe liver damage accompanied by internal bleeding.” NDMA can be found in the air, water and soil but breaks down in sunlight. Again, according to the CDC, “The most important and probably the most harmful way of coming into contact with NDMA seems to be by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. “
Apotex Corporation, the company who manufactured the tainted medication, has issued a recall of all lots of its Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 500mg sold in the US.
The FDA provides updates on recalls to your email address. To sign up, go to the FDA Subscription Management Center.
