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Pfizer announces recall of venlafaxine HCl 150-mg capsules

Pfizer announced a voluntary recall of venlafaxine HCl after a pharmacist reported that one bottle in the lot being recalled contained one capsule of dofetilide 0.25mg.

The recall includes one lot of 30-count venlafaxine HCl (Effexor XR, Pfizer) 150-mg extended-release capsules, one lot of 90-count venlafaxine HCl 150-mg extended-release capsules and one lot of 90-count Greenstone LLC-branded venlafaxine HCl 150-mg extended-release capsules. Pfizer has extended the recall directly to patients concerning lots V130142 and V130140, which both expire in October 2015, and Greenstone lot number V130014, which expires in August 2015.

According to a statement from the FDA, taking dofetilide (Tikosyn, Pfizer) could cause adverse reactions in patients who take venlafaxine HCl when contraindications of dofetilide have not been considered by the prescribing physician.

Pharmacists are advised to discontinue distribution of the venlafaxine HCl lots included in the recall. The FDA recommends that all recalled medication be quarantined and returned to the manufacturer. Pharmacists are also advised to ask customers who have received the recalled medication to return it to the pharmacy, their physician, or the manufacturer.

Healthcare providers and patients can report adverse events or any side effects related to the use of this medication to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Reports can be made using the online form, or by calling 1-800-332-1088. More information related to the recall is available on the FDA website.