Here’s What to Do If Your Medication Has Been Recalled

Medication recalls happen all the time. Sometimes medicine is recalled for serious reasons, but often it’s for something minor, like a packaging defect or incorrect expiration date. Either way, it’s one of those situations that you don’t really think about until you’re in the middle of it. Most people don’t actually know what to do when facing a medication recall, which can be stressful.

The good news is you don’t need to panic—but you can’t ignore the situation either. “Most recalls are for minor issues,” says Nissa Keyashian, M.D. “Looking over the FDA website and speaking with your pharmacist or physician can clarify the level of risk and any necessary changes to your medication regimen.”

To help you understand what to do if your medication is recalled, we spoke with health care experts. Here’s what you need to know.

What to Do If Your Medication Has Been Recalled

Check the Medication’s Lot Number

If you learn that your medication has been recalled, the lot number on your medication label can help you determine whether your medication is affected. The lot number is typically listed beside the expiration date. Once you locate it, you can run it through the FDA’s Drug Recalls Database.

If you receive a recall notice, cross-reference the lot number with the notice. “Recalls are often lot-specific and your bottle may not even be affected,” says Christopher J. Kim, M.D., Pharm.D.

Look at the Recall Classification

Within the FDA’s drug recalls database, they include information about the reason for the recall and also assign a recall classification. There are three different classes that are used to classify the severity of the recall. Here’s some more information about them from the FDA:

• Class I: These recalls are the most serious and urgent. These medications can cause serious and life-threatening health consequences to the consumer.
• Class II: These recalls are for medications that may cause temporary health issues but are less likely to cause a serious health problem. Typically, people can continue to take these medications unless told otherwise by the FDA or the company that issued the recall.
• Class III: These recalls are for medications unlikely to have health consequences. The recall may be related to defective packaging, minor drug labeling error or incorrect expiration dates. People can continue to use these medications unless directed otherwise by the manufacturer or the FDA.

For most Class I recalls, you’ll receive clear instructions on what to do. For Class II and II recalls, you typically can continue to take the medication unless informed otherwise. “Remind yourself that most recalls are for minor issues,” says Keyashian.

Call Your Pharmacist or Doctor

If your medication is part of a recall, get in touch with your pharmacist or doctor. Your pharmacist can verify whether your medication is affected and guide you on the next steps. Often, pharmacists reach out to patients proactively when a recall occurs.

After speaking with your pharmacist, call your doctor to find out what you need to do next, such as obtaining a new prescription.

Importantly, do not stop taking your medication unless advised to do so. “The risks of stopping may far exceed the risks of continuing to take a recalled medication,” says Keyashian. “Always get medical guidance first by reaching out to your physician or pharmacist.”

Get Rid of Your Medication Safely (If Needed)

If you do need to discard your medication, you can return it to a pharmacy or take-back location. “You can also use a DEA drug take-back drop box, available year-round at many pharmacies and police stations,” says Kim.

If no take-back option is available, a small number of medications can be flushed down the toilet. The FDA maintains a “Flush List” for medications that are safe for flushing, including any drugs that contain the following words:

• Buprenorphine
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone or benzhydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Tapentadol
• Sodium oxybate or sodium oxybates
• Diazepam rectal gel
• Methylphenidate transdermal system

If your medication can’t be flushed and cannot be returned, you can dispose of it at home. “For at-home disposal, mix the medication with something unpleasant like coffee grounds or cat litter, seal it in a bag and discard it in household trash,” advises Kim. He emphasizes never leaving medications loose where kids or pets can reach them. The FDA provides more information on safe medication disposal on their website.

Where to Find Recalls

To find out if your medication has been recalled, you can look up the medication’s lot number through the FDA’s Drug Recalls Database. You can also call or visit your pharmacist; they can look into any potential recalls on the spot.

“Most major pharmacy chains also have systems to flag affected lots and contact patients directly,” says Kim.

When a company announces a medication recall, the FDA typically posts the announcement in their recalls database. In cases where a medication has been widely distributed or poses a serious health hazard, the FDA may issue a broader announcement to protect consumers.

You may also hear about recalls through the media, but this usually covers only a small percentage of cases. To stay up to date with the latest recalls and safety updates for food, supplements and medications, check out EatingWell’s recall page.

Our Expert Take

Medication recalls are often minor, but it’s still important to take the right steps to ensure your safety. Be sure to check your medication’s lot number to confirm whether it’s affected, and consult your health care provider or pharmacist before stopping or discarding it. They can guide you on the next steps, such as whether to stop taking the medication, how to dispose of it safely and if you need a new prescription.

Staying informed is the best way to protect your health and maintain peace of mind.