Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) delayed-release capsules, 240 mg, 60-count bottle, Rx only, Manufac...
FDA Drug Recall #D-1381-2020 — Class III — June 23, 2020
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-1381-2020 |
| Classification | Class III — Low risk |
| Date Initiated | June 23, 2020 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Biogen MA Inc. |
| Location | Research Triangle Park, NC |
| Product Type | Drugs |
| Quantity | 3,922 bottles |
Product Description
Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) delayed-release capsules, 240 mg, 60-count bottle, Rx only, Manufactured by: Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, NDC 64406-006-02
Reason for Recall
cGMP deviations: one lot of the product was distributed to US Markets despite being rejected during in-process control.
Distribution Pattern
Product was distributed to wholesalers/distributors in KY, OH & MS.
Lot / Code Information
Lot # SH0274, Exp 2/2022
Other Recalls from Biogen MA Inc.
| Recall # | Classification | Product | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-0148-2021 | Class II | Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) delayed-release c... | Dec 9, 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
cGMP stands for Current Good Manufacturing Practice — the FDA's regulations governing drug manufacturing quality. A cGMP recall means the company failed to follow required manufacturing standards. This could involve inadequate testing, poor environmental controls, documentation failures, or process deviations. cGMP recalls do not always mean the product is directly harmful — in many cases, quality records are insufficient to confirm the product meets specifications. However, the FDA requires a recall because without proper documentation, product quality cannot be assured. These are often Class II or Class III recalls.
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.