Mislabeled clopidogrel tablets prompt recall

International Laboratories is voluntarily recalling a single lot of clopidogrel tablets that was distributed nationwide after finding some of the medication was mislabeled. The bottles of 30 tablets may contain simvastatin instead, according to a safety alert issued by the FDA.

Missed doses of clopidogrel, a blood thinner, can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. In addition, unintentional consumption of simvastatin can lead to side effects and allergic reactions and may cause fetal harm when taken by pregnant women.

International Laboratories has sent letters notifying distributers and customers of the issue and is arranging for a return of the recalled products.

The specific lot affected is #117099A. In photos accompanying its press release, International Laboratories shows that while both medications have a light pinkish color, clopidogrel 75 mg tablets are oval shaped and marked with “TV” on one side and “7314” on the other. Simvastatin 10 mg tablets are round and have markings of “TV” and “7153.”