Viona Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Metformin HCl Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750 mg Due to the Detection of NDMA Impurity

December 28, 2021 – Cranford, New Jersey, Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc., is voluntarily recalling thirty three (33) lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750 mg to the retail level. Reason for the recall is an Out of specification result observed for the said product, Lot number M008132, “N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (By GC-MS/MS)” test at 17 Month(s), 25°C/60%RH Long-term stability samples. As a precautionary measure firm voluntarily recall all the marketed 33 batches having valid shelf life. This product was manufactured by Cadila Healthcare Limited, Ahmedabad, India for U.S. distribution by Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Risk Statement: NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen (a substance that could cause cancer) based on results from laboratory tests. NDMA is a known environmental contaminant and found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. Patients who have received impacted lots of Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750 mg are advised to continue taking their medication and contact their physician for advice regarding an alternative treatment. According to the FDA, it could be dangerous for patients with this serious condition to stop taking their Metformin without first talking to their healthcare professionals. Please visit the agency’s website for more information at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-updates-and-press-announcements-ndma-metformin. To date, neither Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc., nor Cadila Healthcare Limited have received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The product is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and is packaged in HDPE bottles of 100 tablets, under NDC 72578-036-01. Firm recalled Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750 mg are listed in the below table. The product can be identified as white to off-white, capsule shaped, uncoated tablets, debossed with “Z”, “C” on one side and “20” on the other side. Metformin Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, USP 750 mg was distributed Nationwide to Distributors.

Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc., is notifying its customers by email and mail (FedEx Overnight) and is arranging for return of all recalled products to our recall processor at the following address

Eversana Life Science Services
c/o Viona recall
ATTN: Returns Department
4580 S. Mendenhall Rd.
Memphis, TN 38141

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact our recall processor Eversana Life Science Services by phone at 1-888-304-5022, option 1; Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm CDT. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Customers with medical-related questions, who wish to report an adverse event, or quality issues about the products being recalled should contact Viona Pharmaceuticals Inc., by phone at: 888-304-5011, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, EST.

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.

• Complete and submit the report Online
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Source: FDA