In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a recall for the widely used heart drug Toprol XL after years of warnings about its generic counterparts. As discussed in a June 2014 New York Times article, Dr. Harry Lever of the Cleveland Clinic has been warning nearly anyone who would listen of his growing suspicions about Toprol XL generics. Toprol XL is a high blood pressure drug manufactured by AstraZeneca. Manufacturers Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd and Wockhardt Ltd make a cheaper generic version called Metoprolol Succinate. Dr. Lever discusses how patient after patient would visit his office complaining of chest pains or other symptoms after switching from Toprol XL to its generics. (New York Times) This recall raises concern with RI personal injury lawyers about the health issues that may result from the generic drug failing to dissolve properly.
The FDA defines a recall as “an action taken by a firm to remove a product from the market. Recalls may be conducted on a firm’s own initiative, by FDA request, or by FDA order under statutory authority.” (FDA) Recalls take place when exposure to a volatile product can increase the risk of serious and adverse health consequences or even death.
According to the FDA, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd announced a recall in June 2014 for 13,560 bottles of the generic drug after the drug failed a dissolution test. Wockhardt Ltd similarly recalled 109,744 bottles of the generic drug in the previous month, citing the same reasons. Although the switch from the brand name Toprol XL to a generic version may save money for the patient and their health insurance company, this recall raises concern about health issues that may result from the negative side effects of this recalled product.