Neoral soft gelatin capsules (cyclosporine capsules, USP) Modified, 25 mg, Rx Only, 30 Soft Gelat...

FDA Drug Recall #D-1543-2022 — Class II — September 16, 2022

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-1543-2022
Classification Class II — Moderate risk
Date Initiated September 16, 2022
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Location East Hanover, NJ
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 132,999 cartons

Product Description

Neoral soft gelatin capsules (cyclosporine capsules, USP) Modified, 25 mg, Rx Only, 30 Soft Gelatin Capsules per carton, Mfg by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ 07936, NDC # 0078-0246-15.

Reason for Recall

CGMP deviations: Out of specification results obtained during routine stability testing for ethanol content.

Distribution Pattern

Nationwide and Puerto Rico

Lot / Code Information

Lot # APCD162, Exp. 01/2023

Other Recalls from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-0144-2024 Class I SANDIMMUNE Oral Solution (cyclosporine oral sol... Nov 22, 2023
D-0985-2022 Class III Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% PRO... May 10, 2022
D-0984-2022 Class III Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% PRO... May 10, 2022
D-0983-2022 Class III Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, pa... May 10, 2022
D-0982-2022 Class III Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution), packa... May 10, 2022

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.