The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 900,000 people experience a blood clot each year in the United States. Considering blood clots can lead to conditions stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or at times, fatality, it’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance in eating right, getting some activity, and taking medication, like baby aspirin or a prescription blood thinner.

More than 8 million Americans currently take a blood thinner, according to the National Blood Clot Alliance. But for those on the medication prasugrel, a generic alternative for the brand name Effient, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall for 30-count bottles of 5-milligram (mg) prasugrel tablets.

The reason for this recall, which was initiated by drug company Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., is listed as “failed dissolution specifications”—in particular, “slow dissolution results.” Pharmaceutical research in 2006 explained how slow dissolution, or the speed at which the drug dissolves, can lower the rate of absorption and make the medication less effective.

The quantity of prasugrel bottles affected is unclear, though the recall announcement notes that the product was distributed nationwide in the United States. Consumers should check their medication—bottles affected by this recall reportedly bear an expiration date of April 30, 2026, while lot numbers for the recalled prasugrel tablets are said to include:

  • 3211073
  • 3211074
  • 3211075

The FDA has categorized the event as a Class II risk, meaning use of the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”

Tuesday’s notice does not specify what to do if you’re in possession of affected prasugrel tablets.  However, it’s best practice to contact your doctor and/or pharmacist immediately, before your next dose is due. They may replace the recalled prescription with one from an unaffected lot or change your prescription entirely.

For more information about prescription disposal, visit the FDA’s website.

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Emily Surpless
Emily has over a decade of experience producing digital content, working on sites focused on health, lifestyle, home, and entertainment. As the editor for The Healthy by Reader’s Digest, she focuses on pitching and optimizing content to satisfy reader curiosity and reach new users. Prior to her role at The Healthy, Emily was the Sr. SEO Manager ...
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Emily Surpless