Nearly 1,500 Bottles of a Popular Heartburn Medication Have Been Recalled Nationwide

Though several medical conditions can be tied to heartburn, the most common is GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), which is a chronic version of acid reflux. An estimated 60 million Americans experience the discomfort caused by heartburn on a monthly basis—and it’s a reported daily occurrence for more than 15 million in the U.S., says the National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s MedlinePlus Magazine.

Though certain home remedies are said to quell heartburn symptoms (baking soda can be worth a try!), sometimes a prescription is called for. But one such medication—the generic of a brand name you’ve likely heard of—was recently recalled when, apparently, a different type of tablet ended up in one of the bottles.

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public concerning a nationwide recall of 1,476 bottles of Omeprazole Delayed-Release Capsules. The Cleveland Clinic notes that Omeprazole is sometimes referred to by the brand name Prilosec OTC.

From the report’s details, it appears as though an incorrect medication tablet was discovered in a bottle meant for omeprazole. “Presence of foreign tablets/capsules” is the stated reason behind the recall, and the report further explains the issue as “presence of foreign Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release 250mg tablet in a bottle of omeprazole capsules.”

Divalproex sodium tablets, sometimes known by the brand name Depakote, are primarily prescribed to treat seizures, according to the Mayo Clinic. Additional details were not provided concerning how the foreign tablet was first discovered.

Provided product details include:

• Omeprazole Delayed-release Capsules, USP, 20mg
• 1,000-count bottle
• Rx Only
• Manufactured by: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited, Bachupally – 500 090 INDIA
• Manufactured for: Qualient Pharmaceuticals Health LLC, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
• NDC (National Drug Code): 82009-022-10
• Lot: C2403017
• Expiration Date: 12/31/2026
• 1,476 bottles

Though the recall was first initiated on June 30, it wasn’t until this week that the FDA assigned a classification to it. Now, the agency says it’s a Class II recall, meaning the products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.

In May, more than 1.5 million packages of Esomeprazole Magnesium—another type of medication prescribed to help with certain GERD symptoms—were recalled nationwide.

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