Indian drug maker recalls certain doses of generic Lipitor

Drug maker Ranbaxy Laboratories Inc. has recalled some of its generic version of Lipitor in the U.S. after finding small glass particles in some batches.

The Indian company’s recall of atorvastatin calcium, a generic form of Pfizer Inc.’s top-selling Lipitor, may temporarily disrupt supplies in the U.S. while the company conducts an investigation into these problems with the drug.

Ranbaxy said the recall involves 10, 20 and 40-milligram dosage strength in 90 and 500-count bottles. The recall doesn’t affect the 80-milligram strength, according to the company.

“Ranbaxy is proactively recalling the drug product lots out of an abundance of caution,” the company said in a statement. “This recall is being conducted with the full knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”

Ranbaxy was the first company to launch a generic version of cholesterol-lowering Lipitor in the U.S. after Pfizer’s patent expired last year. Lipitor is considered one of the world’s best-selling drugs ever.

The Indian firm has had problems in the U.S. before. In 2008, the FDA cited manufacturing defects at some of its plants and subsequently barred some of its products from being imported into the country.

Patients are being urged to contact their pharmacy to check whether their prescription for this generic drug is affected by the recall.

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