Bristol-Myers Squibb is recalling one lot of Eliquis (apixaban) tablets, according to a company announcement on the Food and Drug Administration website.
The recall is based on a customer complaint that a bottle labeled as containing 5 mg tablets of Eliquis actually contained 2.5 mg tablets of Eliquis. The lot in question was distributed nationwide to wholesalers and retail pharmacies in February 2017. The recall is voluntary, the company noted.
To date, no injuries or adverse events have been reported as a result of the mistake. However, patients who were prescribed 5 mg tablets of Eliquis for an irregular heartbeat but instead took 2.5 mg tablets are at increased risk of stroke, a moving blood clot, or death. For patients with deep vein thrombosis, drug underdosing increases risk of moving or growing blood clots.
“There are distinct visible differences between the two tablet strengths, including colors, size, and markings that distinguish the 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets and decrease the likelihood of an incorrect dose,” Bristol-Myers Squibb noted in the press release.
Find the full Bristol-Myers Squibb press release on the FDA website .
