Vytorin (ezetimibe and simvastatin) tablets, 10 mg/20 mg, each tablet contains 10 mg ezetimibe an...
FDA Drug Recall #D-0007-2016 — Class II — August 14, 2015
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-0007-2016 |
| Classification | Class II — Moderate risk |
| Date Initiated | August 14, 2015 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Merck Sharp & Dohme, Wilson Facility |
| Location | Wilson, NC |
| Product Type | Drugs |
| Quantity | N/A |
Product Description
Vytorin (ezetimibe and simvastatin) tablets, 10 mg/20 mg, each tablet contains 10 mg ezetimibe and 20 mg simvastatin, Rx Only, 1000 count Bottle, Manuf. For Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889, NDC 66582-0312-82.
Reason for Recall
Presence of Foreign Tablet/Capsule: Vytorin 10 mg/40 mg tablets were found in bottles of Vytorin 10 mg/20 mg tablets.
Distribution Pattern
KY, MS and OH.
Lot / Code Information
Lot number: L013425, Exp. 11/2016
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop taking the medication and contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately. For Class I recalls, this is urgent. For Class II or III recalls, consult your doctor before stopping — abruptly discontinuing certain medications (blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, diabetes medications) can be more harmful than continuing while arranging a replacement. Check whether the recall applies to your specific lot number and expiration date. Return the product to your pharmacy and report any adverse effects to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Not necessarily. Many drug recalls are initiated because of quality system failures or test results that suggest a product might not meet specifications — even if no patients have reported harm. The FDA uses a precautionary approach: if there is reason to believe quality standards were not met, a recall is required regardless of whether adverse effects have been reported. Class I recalls typically involve a reasonable probability of harm; Class II recalls may cause temporary health issues; Class III recalls are for products unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but that still violate regulations.
Pharmacies typically receive recall notices directly from drug wholesalers and manufacturers within days of the recall being announced. Your pharmacist can look up whether any product in your prescription history matches a recalled lot number. For current recalls, the FDA publishes updates at FDA.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts and sends MedWatch email alerts for significant drug safety issues. You can sign up for MedWatch alerts at FDA.gov. Most major pharmacy chains also have their own recall notification systems that automatically alert pharmacists when a recalled product is in their inventory.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this medication if affected by this recall. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor immediately for guidance. Do not flush medications — use a drug take-back program.