Hyoscyamine sulfate, a popular drug use for urology patients struggling with incontinence, has been recalled by Virtus Pharmaceuticals. This recall is the result of irregular medication levels in the medication which can give patients either too much (super potent) or too little (sub potent) medication.

Taking a product that is superpotent could result in hot/dry skin, fever, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, dry mouth, unusual excitement, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, an inability to completely empty the bladder, and seizures. The severity of the adverse event would depend on how superpotent the tablet was. Adverse events such as clotted blood within the tissues and fractures could occur, as a result of falls from dizziness or seizures if the strength is particularly high. To date, Virtus has received three adverse event reports involving hallucinations, stroke-like symptoms, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, slurred speech, imbalance, and disorientation. These symptoms were reported to be resolved are all believed to be temporary. None of the adverse events were life threatening, and the patients who reported the incidents were treated and released.

Hyoscyamine sulfate is an anticholinergic agent which blocks the action of acetylcholine and is used to treat diseases like asthma, incontinence, stomach cramps, peptic ulcers, control gastric secretion, intestinal spasm and other bowel disturbances. These products were distributed Nationwide in the U.S. and Puerto Rico starting on March 11, 2016, to distributors, hospitals, and retail pharmacies.

Virtus is notifying its distributors and retailers by letter and email and is arranging for return of all recalled drug product. Consumers, distributors, and retailers that have the hyoscyamine sulfate product lots listed above should stop using/distributing and return to place of purchase.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Virtus at 1-855-255-6076 on Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm EST or rxrecalls@inmar.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these drug products.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Learn more here!