Several lots of atorvastatin calcium tablets, a widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drug, have been recalled due to concerns they may not dissolve properly in the body, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced.
The FDA said the affected batches failed “dissolution specifications,” meaning the pills may not break down at the appropriate rate once swallowed. If a medication dissolves too slowly or unevenly, the body may not absorb enough of it, potentially reducing its effectiveness — even when taken as directed.
The recall has been classified as a Class II recall, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems. The recalled atorvastatin calcium tablets — the generic equivalent of Lipitor — were manufactured by Alkem Laboratories, Ltd. in India and distributed by Ascend Laboratories, LLC of New Jersey.
Despite the recall, the FDA advises patients not to stop taking their medication without first speaking to their healthcare provider. Abruptly discontinuing statins like atorvastatin can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Hutch Post reached out to Ashcraft Pharmacy in South Hutchinson, and their advice is that if you have questions about the prescription to reach out to the pharmacy that filled it. They can tell if the medication is involved in the recall but reiterated not to stop the medication.