Ziac Blood Pressure Drug Recalled
FDA announces recall of 11,100+ bottles of Ziac (bisoprolol/hydrochlorothiazide) due to cross-contamination. Check your medication now—here’s what Charlotte NC patients need to know.
On December 1, 2025, the FDA announced a recall of over 11,100 bottles of Ziac (bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets), a common blood pressure medication. Manufactured by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. in New Jersey, the affected medication was found to contain traces of ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering drug. While the FDA classifies this as a Class III recall (low risk), Charlotte-area patients taking this medication should check their bottles immediately and contact their healthcare provider. If substance use or mental health issues complicate your medication management, Nova Transformations can help. Call (704) 420-7686.
ℹ Key Information: Ziac Recall 2025
- Over 11,100 bottles recalled – Nationwide voluntary recall by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc.
- Medication affected – Bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (brand name: Ziac) in 2.5mg and 6.25mg doses
- Reason for recall – Cross-contamination with ezetimibe, a cholesterol drug also manufactured at the same facility
- Risk level: Class III – FDA says exposure is “not likely to cause adverse health consequences”
- Affected lots expire – November 2025 through May 2026
- Action required – Check your medication bottles for lot numbers; contact your doctor if affected
- Do NOT stop medication – Continue taking unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider
What Blood Pressure Medication Was Recalled?
According to the FDA recall database, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. voluntarily recalled multiple lots of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, marketed under the brand name Ziac.
What is Ziac?
Ziac is a combination blood pressure medication containing two active ingredients:
- Bisoprolol fumarate – A beta-blocker that slows the heart rate and reduces the heart’s workload
- Hydrochlorothiazide – A diuretic (“water pill”) that helps your body eliminate excess salt and water
According to WebMD, bisoprolol works by blocking beta-1 receptors in your heart, allowing the heart to beat more slowly and with less force. This medication is commonly prescribed for hypertension (high blood pressure).
How Many People Take This Medication?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 30 million Americans take beta-blocker medications for high blood pressure or anxiety. While not all of these are taking Ziac specifically, this recall affects thousands of patients nationwide including many in the Charlotte metro area.
Why Was Ziac Recalled? Cross-Contamination Explained
The recall was initiated after routine testing of reserve samples revealed the presence of ezetimibe in the Ziac tablets.
What is Ezetimibe?
Ezetimibe is a completely different medication used to treat high cholesterol. It works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestine and is sold under brand names like Zetia.
How Did This Happen?
According to the FDA report, the contamination occurred through “cross-contamination with other products” during manufacturing. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals produces multiple medications at the same facility in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, including both the blood pressure medication and ezetimibe.
This type of contamination can occur when:
- Shared equipment is not properly cleaned between production runs
- Airborne particles from one medication drift into another production area
- Manufacturing processes don’t maintain adequate separation between different drugs
- Quality control procedures fail to detect contamination before distribution
The incident highlights ongoing challenges pharmaceutical manufacturers face in maintaining strict quality controls, especially when producing multiple medications within shared facilities.
Which Ziac Lots Are Affected? Check Your Medication Now
⚠ Check Your Medication Bottle
Look at your Ziac bottle and find the Lot Number and Expiration Date. Compare these to the affected lots listed below.
Affected Lot Numbers and Details
| Product Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Bisoprolol Fumarate and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, USP |
| Brand Name | Ziac |
| Manufacturer | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA (Elmwood Park, NJ) |
| Dosage Strengths | 2.5 mg / 6.25 mg and 5 mg / 6.25 mg |
| Lot Number 1 | 17232401 (Expires: November 2025) |
| Lot Number 2 | 17240974 (Expires: May 2026) |
| Reason for Recall | Cross-contamination with ezetimibe (cholesterol medication) |
| Recall Classification | Class III (lowest risk level) |
| Total Bottles Recalled | 11,100+ bottles nationwide |
Where to Find Lot Numbers
The lot number and expiration date are typically printed on:
- The bottom or side of the medication bottle
- The prescription label affixed by your pharmacy
- The original packaging/box if you still have it
Is This Recall Dangerous? Understanding Class III Risk
The FDA has classified this recall as Class III, which is the lowest of three risk categories.
What Does Class III Mean?
According to the FDA, a Class III recall is used for situations where:
- “Use of or exposure to a violative product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences“
- The probability of serious health problems is remote
- The issue is more about quality control than immediate safety
For comparison:
- Class I – Highest risk; serious injury or death probable
- Class II – Moderate risk; temporary or reversible health problems possible
- Class III – Lowest risk; adverse health consequences unlikely
Why Small Amounts of Ezetimibe May Not Be Harmful
The FDA report indicates only “traces” of ezetimibe were detected—meaning very small quantities. For most patients, this level of cross-contamination is unlikely to cause problems because:
- Ezetimibe is generally well-tolerated with few serious side effects
- The contamination amounts are minimal compared to therapeutic doses
- Short-term exposure to small amounts rarely causes adverse effects
However, There Are Important Considerations
While the risk is low, according to the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS):
- Ezetimibe overdose amounts vary by person – What constitutes “too much” is different for each individual
- Unknown total exposure – If you’ve been taking affected medication for weeks or months, cumulative exposure is unknown
- Potential drug interactions – Ezetimibe could interact with other medications you’re taking
- Allergies or sensitivities – Some people may be allergic or sensitive to ezetimibe
What Should You Do If You Have Affected Medication?
Step 1: Check Your Medication
Immediately check your Ziac bottle for the lot numbers listed above:
- Lot 17232401 (expires November 2025)
- Lot 17240974 (expires May 2026)
Step 2: Contact Your Healthcare Provider
DO NOT stop taking your blood pressure medication without medical guidance. Suddenly stopping can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes.
If you have affected medication:
- Call your doctor or pharmacist immediately
- Explain you have a recalled lot number
- Ask if you should continue taking the medication or switch to a different lot/medication
- Get a new prescription if needed
Step 3: Return Recalled Medication
Contact your pharmacy about returning the recalled medication. Many pharmacies will:
- Accept returns of recalled products
- Provide replacement medication from unaffected lots
- Assist with insurance or refund processing
Step 4: Report Adverse Events
If you experienced any unusual symptoms while taking the affected medication, report them to:
- FDA MedWatch: Report online or call 1-800-FDA-1088
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals: Contact the manufacturer directly
- Your healthcare provider: Document symptoms for your medical record
Step 5: Monitor for Symptoms
While serious effects are unlikely, watch for:
- Unusual muscle pain or weakness (rare ezetimibe side effect)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Gastrointestinal issues (more common with ezetimibe)
- Any new or unusual symptoms
What This Means for Charlotte NC Patients
This recall affects patients nationwide, including throughout the Charlotte metropolitan area and North Carolina.
Local Pharmacy Resources
Charlotte-area patients can check with major pharmacy chains:
- CVS Pharmacy – Multiple Charlotte locations
- Walgreens – Throughout Mecklenburg County
- Harris Teeter Pharmacy – South Charlotte, Ballantyne, Matthews
- Walmart Pharmacy – Various Charlotte locations
- Independent pharmacies – Local pharmacists can verify lot numbers
Healthcare Providers
If you need to see a doctor about this recall:
- Atrium Health – Multiple Charlotte locations
- Novant Health – Throughout the region
- Primary care physicians – Contact your regular doctor
- Urgent care – For immediate concerns (though this recall is low-risk)
Medication Safety: Preventing Future Issues
How to Stay Safe with Medications
- Keep medication in original bottles with labels and lot numbers visible
- Register for FDA recall alerts at FDA.gov
- Check medications regularly for recalls and expiration dates
- Use one pharmacy for all prescriptions to track interactions and recalls
- Ask pharmacists questions about new medications and potential recalls
- Report side effects to your doctor and FDA MedWatch
When Substance Use Complicates Medication Management
If you’re struggling with addiction alongside medical conditions like high blood pressure, managing medications becomes even more critical. Substance use can:
- Interact dangerously with blood pressure medications
- Cause you to forget or skip doses
- Complicate medical treatment
- Worsen cardiovascular health
Nova Transformations provides comprehensive addiction treatment that coordinates with your other healthcare needs. Our medical team ensures safe medication management during recovery. Call (704) 420-7686.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ziac Recall
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled over 11,100 bottles of bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (brand name: Ziac) in 2.5mg/6.25mg and 5mg/6.25mg doses. The recall was issued on December 1, 2025, due to cross-contamination with ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering medication. Two lot numbers are affected: Lot 17232401 (expires November 2025) and Lot 17240974 (expires May 2026). The manufacturer is based in Elmwood Park, New Jersey.
The FDA classified this as a Class III recall, which is the lowest risk level, meaning exposure is “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” The contamination involved only traces of ezetimibe (a cholesterol drug), and for most people, this small amount is unlikely to cause problems. However, you should still check your medication and contact your healthcare provider if you have affected lots. Do NOT stop taking your blood pressure medication without medical guidance, as suddenly stopping can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes.
Check your medication bottle for the lot number and expiration date, which are typically printed on the bottom or side of the bottle or on the pharmacy label. The affected lots are: Lot 17232401 (expires November 2025) and Lot 17240974 (expires May 2026). If your medication matches these numbers, contact your pharmacy and healthcare provider immediately. If your lot number is different, your medication is not affected by this recall.
Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-lowering medication (brand name Zetia) that works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestine. It ended up in Ziac through cross-contamination during manufacturing—Glenmark Pharmaceuticals produces both medications at the same facility in New Jersey. Contamination can occur when shared equipment isn’t properly cleaned between production runs, when airborne particles drift between production areas, or when quality control procedures fail. This incident highlights challenges pharmaceutical companies face maintaining separation between different drugs produced at the same facility.
First, do NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor—sudden discontinuation can cause dangerous blood pressure spikes. Check your bottle’s lot number against the recall list. If affected: (1) Contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately, (2) Ask if you should continue or switch to different medication, (3) Return the recalled medication to your pharmacy for replacement from an unaffected lot, (4) Monitor for any unusual symptoms, and (5) Report any adverse events to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088. Most patients taking affected medication should not experience serious problems given the low contamination levels.
Yes. Contact your pharmacy where you filled the prescription. Most pharmacies will accept returns of recalled medications and provide either: (1) Replacement medication from unaffected lots at no additional cost, (2) A refund of what you paid, or (3) Credit toward future prescriptions. Your pharmacy can also help coordinate with your insurance company if needed. Bring your recalled medication bottle and prescription receipt if you have it.
As of December 2025, this Ziac recall is the most recent blood pressure medication recall announced by the FDA. However, recalls happen periodically. To stay informed about medication recalls: (1) Register for FDA email alerts at FDA.gov/recalls, (2) Ask your pharmacist to notify you of any recalls affecting your medications, (3) Keep medication in original bottles so you can check lot numbers, and (4) Periodically check the FDA recall database for any updates. Blood pressure medication recalls have become more common in recent years, often due to contamination or impurity issues during manufacturing.
If you have recalled medication but can’t immediately reach your doctor: (1) Continue taking your medication as prescribed—the recall is Class III (lowest risk) and stopping suddenly is more dangerous, (2) Contact your pharmacy—pharmacists can provide guidance and may be able to replace your medication, (3) If you have concerning symptoms, visit urgent care or call your insurance’s nurse hotline, (4) For medical emergencies, call 911 or go to the ER. You can also call Glenmark Pharmaceuticals directly for information about the recall and replacement options.
Need Help Managing Medications During Recovery?
If substance use is making it difficult to manage your health conditions and medications, Nova Transformations can help. Our medical team coordinates addiction treatment with your other healthcare needs for comprehensive, safe care.
📞 (704) 420-7686Serving Charlotte, Matthews, Ballantyne & All Surrounding Communities
Additional Resources
FDA Information
- FDA Recalls Database – Search for all current recalls
- FDA MedWatch – Report adverse events: 1-800-FDA-1088
- Sign up for FDA recall alerts
Medication Information
Charlotte Healthcare
- Atrium Health: (704) 355-2000
- Novant Health: (704) 384-4000
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
