Karmactive StaffIf you take a generic version of Zyrtec for allergies, check your medicine cabinet today. A nationwide recall has been issued over tablets that may contain a different drug — one that could cause a life-threatening reaction in certain people.
The FDA published the recall alert on July 20, 2026. The manufacturer, Unique Pharmaceutical Laboratories — a division of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. — voluntarily announced the recall on July 18.
Four lots of Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets USP 5 mg are affected. This is a generic version of the antihistamine Zyrtec. Brand-name Zyrtec is not part of this recall.
Look for these details on your bottle: NDC 16571-401-10, lot numbers GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, or GY825032, in 100-count bottles with an expiration date of October 2028.
Rising Pharma Holdings Inc. (East Brunswick, NJ) distributed these tablets to pharmacies and wholesalers across the country between April and June 2026.
A pharmacy technician first noticed something wrong while counting tablets for a customer. Some pills had a red dot. Others were discolored. Testing showed the allergy tablets were cross-contaminated with ranitidine — a heartburn drug used to treat ulcers and acid reflux. With allergy season growing more severe each year, more people than ever are relying on antihistamines — making the reach of a contaminated nationwide batch particularly concerning.
For most people, accidental ranitidine exposure is unlikely to cause serious harm. But for anyone with a hypersensitivity to ranitidine or its ingredients, the risks are severe. The FDA warns of possible dangerous blood pressure drops, difficulty breathing or swallowing, throat and facial swelling, hives, loss of consciousness, and anaphylaxis. These reactions can be life-threatening. As of the FDA’s announcement, no adverse events have been reported. This kind of pharmaceutical cross-contamination is exactly the type of drug safety issue the FDA has been working to address.
If you have the recalled product, stop taking it immediately and return it to your pharmacy for a full refund. You can call Rising Pharma Holdings at 1-844-874-7464, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, or email pv@risingpharma.com.
If you took tablets from these lots and feel unwell — especially if you have known drug allergies — seek medical help immediately. It’s also worth staying informed about other recent nationwide product recalls. In the meantime, supporting your immune health and routinely checking medications in your home are simple steps that matter year-round.
