June 5, 2020 — Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. has recalled Metformin Extended-Release (500-mg and 750-mg) due to high levels of a cancer-causing chemical impurity.
The recall involves 14 lots of metformin that tested positive for unsafe levels of a carcinogen called N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
The medications were distributed nationwide in the USA as retail bottles of 100 tablets and 1000 tablets to Teva’s direct customers between January 8, 2019 and May 27, 2020.
NDMA is a toxic chemical that is particularly concerning when it contaminates a drug like metformin. The problem is that metformin is intended to be taken every day for years.
Over time, exposure to NDMA may increase a patient’s risk of several types of cancer, including bladder cancer, liver cancer, testicular or ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and more.
It can be dangerous for patients with diabetes to suddenly stop taking metformin, so the FDA is asking patients to continue taking their medication and contact their doctor regarding an alternative treatment.