Bristol-Myers Squibb Recalls One Lot of Eliquis

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is voluntarily recalling one lot (#HN0063) of Eliquis (apixaban) 5 mg as a precautionary measure due to a complaint that a bottle labeled as Eliquis 5 mg was found to contain Eliquis 2.5 mg tablets. In a June 10, 2017 press release, the company said that to date, there has not been any report of injuries or illnesses related to this issue.

Eliquis 5 mg tablets are packaged in 60-count bottles, lot HN0063, Exp 09/2019, NDC 0003-0894-21. The recalled lot was distributed nationwide in the United States to wholesalers and retail pharmacies in February 2017.

In a statement, BMS said patients who are prescribed Eliquis 5 mg for an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and take an Eliquis 2.5 mg tablet instead, particularly for a prolonged period, would have an increased probability of stroke, a moving blood clot, or death. For patients with deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in one of the deep veins usually in the leg, and pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in the lung, underdosing of the drug could lead to an increased risk of a growing or moving blood clot. Should that occur, it could be life-threatening or reversible depending on the severity and location of the blood clot.