Loading...Here we go again: another generic metoprolol recall from an Indian drug company. The FDA announced problems with Dr. Reddy’s metoprolol succinate 25 mg extended release tablets and the company is in the process of recalling 1,356,000 pills.
What is going on with this heart medicine?
What is Metoprolol?
Toprol-XL (metoprolol) is a beta blocker in the same family as atenolol and propranolol. Tens of millions of people swallow beta blockers every day to control heart rate, reduce the risk of a second heart attack, prevent migraines and ease the pain of angina. These medications may also lower blood pressure.
The original brand name medicine was developed under the name Lopressor and was an immediate release product. That means it had to be taken up to four times daily. That was inconvenient for many people. The extended-release formulation, Toprol-XL, was approved in 1992 and was given once daily, making it far more patient friendly.
Problems With Generic Metoprolol?
We first suspected that there might be problems with generic extended release metoprolol succinate in 2007. Readers of our newspaper column and visitors to our website began reporting therapeutic failures when they were switched from Toprol-XL to metoprolol succinate. Here are just a few of their reports:
“After taking Toprol XL with good results for three years to control cardiac arrhythmias, I was given a generic substitute three weeks ago when I switched pharmacies.
“After taking the daily dosage for five days, I began having more and more arrhythmias to the point of having to be admitted to the hospital. There were no other differences in my daily life.
“After discharge, I returned to the unused brand name drug (Toprol XL) and have had no further problems.” Nancy, March 20, 2007
“I have been taking brand name Toprol XL for quite some time without any problems. Last week, I ran out and my doctor phoned in the refill for a generic prescription. I received metoprolol ER.
“I took it for 7 days. This is absolutely NOT the same. I have a blood pressure cuff that records my last 100 readings. During about the first 12 hours after taking it, my blood pressure was way too low. During about the last 12 hours, my blood pressure was much higher than it ever was. I am on my way now to pick up a new prescription for the brand name, at an additional cost to me, of course.” Debbie, July 5, 2007
On October 21, 2007, we wrote to alert the FDA and its Office of Generic Drugs about the problems patients were reporting with this medication. We were told, in essence, “We’ll get back to you.” We heard nothing more.
A History of Generic Metoprolol Recalls
Over the last several years there have been a number of recalls of generic metoprolol. In 2008 the FDA warned Sandoz that its formulation of metoprolol succinate had not been properly validated. There were dissolution problems. In other words, it didn’t dissolve properly in a test solution. Sandoz recalled its generic formulation of metoprolol that year.
In 2009, Ethex, a subsidiary of KV Pharmaceutical, also got into trouble with its extended-release metoprolol. The company eventually pleaded guilty to felonies of failing to notify the FDA about manufacturing problems with a variety of medications.
Fast forward to 2014. In May, a large Indian drug manufacturer called Wockhardt had to recall 109,744 bottles of its metoprolol succinate. This company had two of its manufacturing plants shunned by FDA in 2013. Violations in manufacturing meant that products from these facilities could not be exported to the U.S. One of the plants made metoprolol succinate. Until these discoveries, Wockhardt provided one fourth of the metoprolol swallowed by Americans.
Now we are told that another Indian drug company, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, also has problems with its metoprolol succinate. It is in the process of recalling 13,560 bottles from the U.S. market. This involves 25 mg tablets from lots C206578 and C207415 (NDC 55111-466-01). In both the Wockhardt and Dr. Reddy’s recall of metoprolol the problem was dissolution. That is, the formulations were not releasing the active ingredient according to FDA specifications.
But here is the rub. Although the FDA considers the Dr. Reddy’s recall important (Class II, which means “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences”) it is doing little to alert patients. Pharmacies are supposed to stop dispensing such products and return them to the company. But patients who have Dr. Reddy’s metoprolol succinate 25 mg pills, even if they are in the recalled lots, are supposed to keep taking them. Huh? Does that make any sense?
Even if you wanted to check on your bottle of pills to see if it was included in the metoprolol recall, the chances are very good that you would not find a lot number. That’s because most state pharmacy rules do not require lot numbers on repackaged pill bottles. Why is it that there are lot numbers on all over-the-counter medications, soup cans and cereal boxes but rarely on a prescription bottle of generic pills? Does that make any sense to you?
Here are some more recent complaints about metoprolol from visitors to our website:
“My metoprolol was usually a small, white, tapered pill. My prescription was refilled with one that was white and aspirin-shaped. After taking only a couple, I experienced an irregular heartbeat. I called the pharmacist and she exchanged the round pills. The problem stopped. When I told my previous doctor what had happened, she said, ‘That couldn’t happen.’ I said, ‘The pharmacist said it could.’ Later my drugstore ran out of the small white tapered pill. I was sent to another drug store to get it refilled. I told the pharmacist what had happened and he said, ‘Of course that happened; the round pill is not time release.'” E.T., May 16, 2014
“After having a bad reaction to a generic metoprolol in 2007, I began using the AstraZeneca original (Toprol-XL) and then switched to the PAR extended release generic, which is the one authorized by AstraZeneca. It’s more expensive than other generics but I’ve always done well with it (50mg/day), so for me it’s well worth the money. To my knowledge there’s never been an issue with this generic, but I look forward to PP corroborating that.” Gerald, May 16, 2014
“I too had cardiac problems after being on metoprolol for a few years. My GP refused to believe I had problems from the medication. Eventually I was hospitalized. The cardiologist stated that if I had not come to the hospital via 911, I would not have survived.” Marjorie, RN, BA, May 26, 2014
Were this the only generic drug recall in recent years we would not be terribly worried. Unfortunately, dozens of different generic drugs have been recalled. We were instrumental in identifying the problems with generic versions of the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL 300. A generic product called Budeprion XL 300 was eventually withdrawn after we bugged the FDA for years because of reports of generic drug failures by visitors to this website. A different bupropion XL 300 was also withdrawn with little fanfare from the FDA.
To learn more about this tale of woe and intrigue, check out of book, Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them. It provides our “Top 10 Tips for Taking Generic Drugs,” since insurance companies virtually force most Americans to buy generics. We’re not against generic drugs, but we wish the FDA would do a better job both approving bioequivalency and monitoring foreign manufacturers. In the meantime, people will have to take steps to protect themselves. We hope our tips for using generic drugs safely will help.
Share you own generic drug story, positive or negative, below.
Candice
United States
So glad I found this site. Tons of things are happening to me relating to generic metoprolol. Most important: I believe drug stores, clinics, will be trying more and more to force the Indian generics on people –which I will never, ever take. (I lived and worked in India for quite some time, so I know about that culture). I was given (4 years ago) Mylan brand metoprolol ½ of 25 mg. twice a day, which meant I had to cut it. Got it from a chain pharmacy, no problem. Back in December I switched to a community clinic pharmacy, and they filled my prescription with Caraco, which not only is Indian but I couldn’t cut the little things. Tiny and not scored.
Pharmacist treated me like scum –and I’m a senior – for asking her for Mylan exchange. She refused to take them back. She did order Mylan at my cost. She did this AGAIN, just in April, this time giving me another Indian brand: Alembic – when she knew I wanted Mylan. I would never, ever take either of the Indian drugs. Had to be without any metoprolol for several days, which I believe has put me back “in AFIB.” This is terrifying, and I don’t know what’s coming down the road.
Researched this “community” pharmacy. Hah, what a joke! Found a very long incredible post by a patient in a review denouncing, in the strongest terms, this pharmacist for trying to force down people’s throats Indian generics without even letting people know ahead of time. This was just in January 2019. The same person cited another Indian manufacturer that puts out what are basically worthless sugar pills (she said) and that are being “forced” on patients at this clinic.
I had to go scurrying around to about 4 different pharmacies in town until I finally found one who would give me Mylan. They said they could get me Mylan Metoprolol. Guess what happened? I went to pick it up, and they were very nice & apologetic, but just told me that that very day they had received an email from their CEO which said no more Mylan – and that henceforth they were ONLY allowed to sell “Indian generic” drugs for Metoprolol.
Ain’t that something? I don’t know what’s coming down the road. If all of the main drug stores suddenly start forcing on consumers these Indian pills – what will people do? Of course, politicians with gold-plated insurance plans will ALWAYS be able to get the non-generics.
Just a heads-up.
Michael
Cedartown,Ga
I fully agree with every report made here on this med!!! I take this med at 25mg dose 3 times daily. I am not on the extended release but the standard type med. Having PACs, arrhythmia issues,rapid heart rates for which I was put on this med to control!!!! Caraco/Sun pharma brand is worthless! Was on MYLAN brand with no problems until could not find at local Rx! Class action lawsuit should be done immediately!!
Mindy
Tennessee
My pharmacy changed my metoprolol tartrate.25mg to Caracas/sun pharmacies. Within 1 day I was coughing all the time, couldn’t speak because always coughing. Like I couldn’t catch my breath. Heartbeat ran up to 134 beats per minute for 10 minutes. Would do this quite often. After a month and a half I called my heart dr, and he called in Mylan drug and got me the same metoprolol tartrate .25mg at another pharmacy. 2 days later no more problems.
Pam
Texas
Dr put me on 1 AM and 1 Pm metoprolol ER succinate 50MG several years ago…..I could not “wake up” during day and I decided that a time release of 1 PM was enough to stop the Afibs…..but….I have been very very daytime sleepy, generally not feeling well?, swollen ankles and like I said…sleepy, exhausted and napping several times a day. I am 74 and I am thinking this rx is causing my exhaustion. I am not sure how to consult my dr since I have been taking this rx for about 6 years???
Elaine
Missouri
I was prescribed Metoprolol Tartrate after a triple bypass about 18 months ago. I finally convinced my 4th cardiologist to wean me off of it because of the horrible side effects. I felt like a normal person again after it was out of my system, but then my bp started rising, so he told me to start taking it again. The side effects returned immediately. Then a few weeks ago, I went to the ER because my heart rate was 190. While in the hospital, the resident doc increased my Metoprolol. When I picked up the new script, I noticed that the pill was slightly larger and had a different letter imprinted on the tablet. I compared the labels, and they matched, except for a little number and letter on bottom of label. I went ahead and took the new tablet, and my side effects were completely different, but still horrible. I asked the pharmacist if they were manufactured in different pharmaceutical companies, and he confirmed that they were. I called my insurance companies. They were manufactured in India. I haven’t taken any Metoprolol for about 3 days, and I’m starting to feel human again. No chest pains, no palpitations, more energy, no ankle swelling, no rash, etc.
I expect my bp to start creeping up, so I am going to try the brand Lopressor, and see how it goes. It’s my only hope for this horrible nightmare.
janice
Florida
I had been taking name brand Toprol XL 100 mg once daily for over 5 years with great success. In January, due to Medicare, we changed pharmacies from Walgreens to Publix. My first prescription for Toprol XL was supplied by Aralez and not AstraZeneca. Within 2 weeks my blood pressure, which had always run in the 100s and 110s systolic, was now consistently in the 130s and 140s systolic. Once it even went to 165.
My heart rate was only slightly higher, but my rhythm was irregular. I called Publix thinking they mistakenly filled it with generic, but they insisted it was name brand. I discovered an older Toprol XL in my purse pill container that was a Walgreens Toprol and compared it to the new Publix Toprol. The Walgreens AstraZeneca Toprol was smoother, .002 larger, a bit wider, and the score was somewhat deeper than the Publix Aralez Toprol.
The customer service rep from AstraZeneca was little to no help – kept referring me back to Aralez. I spoke with a pharmacist from Aralez who assured my that the composition of the Toprol pills had not been changed, but I registered a complaint anyway documenting my symptoms and recorded blood pressures, along with pictures of the two pills side-by-side.
There’s definitely something different about this new batch of Toprol and I fear it won’t be recalled or corrected before myself and others suffer some sort of irreversible event.
Belle
Florida
I’ve been taking Metoprolol 50mg for about 10 years was doing fine on one generic made by Par, and it worked fine. The pharmacy switched supplier to Dr. Reedy and after a few doses, my arrhythmia and heart-racing started to occur. Now in process of cardiologist office trying to get insurance to authorize Brand name Topral XL, so I can stop this non-sense, on non-working or less-effective generics. I have “googled” Dr. Reddy’s, and they have had numerous recalls.
Sandy
Denver
Belle – your story is identical to mine. I was so upset that Par quit making our pill. I am on round two of another generic version which is also not working for me. I have an irregular heartbeat, and wow, can I feel it. In addition my BP has gone up, and I never had that issue before. I am hoping to do the same as you and try to get on the original Toprol. I know my insurance will not cover the cost but found a website where you can get Toprol directly from the manufacturer for cheaper just don’t know if that’s too good to be true. :(
Dan
Minnesota
I’ve been taking Metoprolol for over 6 years after a heart valve replacement surgery. It did an adequate job of controlling my afib and arrhythmia until this past Spring. I started having an increased resting pulse and increasing episodes of arrhythmia. Finally, I went to the ER with a “pounding heart.” I was given an increased dose of Metoprolol (from 50mg daily to 100mg daily). This seemed to work for controlling my heart.
Then, this past November, I picked up a new refill prescription at my pharmacy and almost immediately began having more heart rhythm issues and increased blood pressure. My resting pulse was so high (140) that my GP gave me an EKG during a routine quarterly visit because she was concerned. The EKG was normal, but my issues continued.
Finally, quite by accident, I picked up a new prescription refill. But the pills were different (M 2 printed on them versus A MO). Almost immediately I was back to normal – nice steady resting pulse at 72-75. No arrhythmia. I will be going to my pharmacy tomorrow and discussing the issue with my GP – I am convinced that I’ve been taking “bad metoprolol succinate ER” since last November.
Nancy E
maryland
I have been on Toprol XL for 9 yrs no problems it work very good for my high blood pressure I had to take 50mg twice a day , then a new doctor change me to a new medicine called metoprolol er succinate, I took it for one year it was terrible it gave me bad Arrhythmias like 3 to 4 times a day I felt really bad my advise,to anyone do not take this medicine is not good for you I’m going back to Toprol XL works very for high blood pressure and heart problems.
Alan
Washington State
I, too, suffered severe arrhythmia after being switched to generic metoprolol in the ER. I had been taking the AstraZeneca brand name Toprol-XL. No one believed me until my doctor finally realized that I was, indeed, really having arrhythmia problems from the generic brand. Back to the brand name version by AstraZeneca, and the problem went away. I tried PAR generic later (the only approved generic by AstraZeneca) and had no problems with that brand.
Ilene
Calif.
I just picked up my prescription for METOPROLOL and after reading all of these reports I am NOT even going to take the first tablet. Thank you !!!!!
jon
sylvania,oh
I was recentely proscribred Toprol xl 25mg and received metoprolol er 25mg. I had severe side effects. After taking the first dose around 12pm i had some disieness when I first got up in the morning as well as felling rundown. Took the 2nd dose at bed time around 12pm. woke up at around 5;30am needing to piss and would have fallen if not for the close confines of my RV.
When I returned to bed, I was not able to go back to sleep as my heart was racing like when I got off the treadmill from the stress test. So I got up showered and went for a walk for about an hour. Had my breakfast and around 9;30 was feeling dizy and lightheaded while sitting down. Called the on call cardeo doc who said not to take it any more and to call 911 if I got worse. Took a charcoal capsual to exorb the poisen which helped some.
The next day while driving yhe 100+ miles aaaaI had to stop about 40 miles from home as my chest was feeling tight.after about 20 min of resting I ws able to continue on home where I took 2 more charcoal caps to further flush the poison out.
How can the FDA allow this poisen to be sold. I will never take an bata blockers again as they are deadly to me.
Mike
Orange, CA
I have been on Metoprolol for a little over a year now. Until recently I did not realize what a dangerous drug this is. I have experienced many side effects over the last year not realizing that this drug was at the root. On three separate occasions I have experienced partial loss of sight. I feel extremely run down and also noticed that I have been unable to take a deep breath. Recently my doctor decided to take me off this medication and change to a non-Beta Blocker.
He told me to take the 50MG Metoprolol every other day to wean me off the drug and then start the new medication. On day three my blood pressure shot up, and I was having heart erythema. A short while later I began experiencing major anxiety attaches. People need to know that Beta Blockers are extremely dangerous, and the more that I find out the scarier it gets. It appears that most of the doctors that are prescribing these drugs know very little about them. Especially when a patient needs to come off of them. Coming off of a Beta Blocker too quickly or Cold Turkey could actually give you a heart attack.
I have found that the doctors are quick to prescribe beta blockers for high blood pressure as a first choice. This drug is generally prescribed to someone who has already had a heart attack to prevent another event. BEWARE !!! If you have a doctor that blows off these side effects it is time to look for a different doctor. I am currently in the process of weaning myself off of this drug by cutting from 50MG to 25MG for two weeks and then to 12MG for two weeks and them off completely. I am currently in the 25MG faze. Not quite a week yet but my blood pressure has stabilized. The Angina has stopped, and the anxiety attacks are fewer and shorter. I am starting to feel better. Keep in mind that what you doctor doesn’t know can kill you!
mary
Oregon
I just called my mail order pharmacy because of the change in manufacturer of my generic Wellbutrin SR to Dr.Reddy. Upon opening the container there was a strong Sulphur smell. That’s not happened on any of the other generics I’ve gotten. He’s looking into it as no one has mentioned it. Until now. We’ll see what he says. Definitely a Sulphur smell!
Linda
Louisiana
I wouldn’t trust ANYTHING made in India. I used to buy a very mild soap called Lowila, made in the U.S. An Indian company (Ranbaxy) started making it and all of a sudden it’s not so mild anymore. When I received the package, I could smell a very strong chemical smell before I even opened the box. Wouldn’t trust them to make soap, let alone a life saving drug.
til
California
I have been taking 25 mg each two in morning one at night .
I have become very tired and increasing headaches.
I went to have blood pressure taken it is 187 over 88
I think this is harmful and I complained. I was not happy
because the doctor said to keep taking the medicine as
said on perception .
tg
Kelly
Bentonville , AR
I’ve been taking this metopropolol for a year now, I swell up, I fall asleep at my desk in the middle of intense work issues that would keep a normal person attentive, ankle, legs, hands swell, I’ve never had seasonal allergies in my life until this last year. I’m lethargic, I don’t want to even do my hobbies anymore. I have had tremendous weight gain and it just keeps climbing. I just thought it was me, I’m only 46, I was a fitness instructor 2 years ago very fit and active, but a crushing foot injury at work halted all that for 8 months. So all this time I’ve been blaming myself for this condition I have, and it very well could be this blood bressure medicine.
I’m going to my doctor Monday. Thank you all for posting! I feel hopeful and better informed now.
Kelly
joanne
kankakee,IL
So is there a recall on the metoprolol tartrate 25mg?…My daughter started taking it on the 19th of Oct and by 2:45 pm she had a headache and wasn’t feeling good. She passed out inside the hallway of the drs office. Although she was resuscitated, she ended up dying and I’m sure it was because of this med. She had a history of heart problems (vsd), which she had repaired back in 87 when she was a year and a half old. Please respond back. Thank you.
Nancy
Illinois
I’ve been on metopropol tartrate for years, I have recently been given a new oblong shaped, white pill, and its like taking nothing, the same with the new blue round pill I was given 3 months prior, my blood pressure shot up,180/100 and higher, my pulse racing, and shortness of breath, I had a few pills left from previous scripts, and had to take one of them. It takes at least 20 min for the pill to finally kick in, and I have to remain quiet and still, because I cannot even move till the pill works. I am going to insist on brand name and nothing else!!!! My side effects are ankle swelling, shortness of breath,heart racing, and exhausted feeling.
elena eritta
Nesconset, Long Island, New York
Off shore manufacturing of bogus drugs are an affront to the American people, compromise our health and sends jobs and profits to other countries that are ruthless and act without professional protocol. Govt. intervention is immediately required to insure pure products, bring back manufacturing to our shores and put a cap on non-generic prices…that’s where it all started anyway…”I can get it for you wholesale!” Call/write your reps, your newspapers, your local council people, our president! elena eritta
Patricia
Florida
I was given an RX for Toprol Xl 50 mg about 3 years ago. After about 6 months I was switched to the generic brand Metoprolol 50 mg. I really don’t know whose idea it was – insurance/pharmacy/doctor? – I took the brand name Toprol for almost 2 yrs.
Not knowing that I was having side effects from this generic drug, I had numerous appointments with my doctor and told her every time about the swelling in my ankles/feet and legs and slow heart rate in the 50’s and sometimes in the 40’s – SOs that was getting worse. I could hardly walk from the car into the store. My blood pressure was still high – 160/90 range. My legs felt weak and like I was walking on 2×4’s. I FELT AWFUL.
My doctor was not concerned. But I was 69 yrs old and felt like i was getting closer to the grave everyday. Finally I asked a pharmacist which medicine I was taking could cause the low heart rate. I was told it was the Metoprolol. I told him I wanted off of this medicine immediately. I told him all the side effects I was having from this medicine, and he agreed that I should not take it.
My doctor was called by the pharmacist and told about this problem. I called my insurance company and told them about the problem. I have been taking Toprol xl 50 mgs BRAND for 6 months. B/P is now 120/70 and heart rate 70 – no SOs. No swelling of legs/feet/ankles. I feel like a new person. I am now 71 yrs old and feel very good.
That generic Metoprolol medicine took 2 yrs of my life away from me. Of course the insurance won’t pay for the brand-name drug but I don’t care. Metoprolol is a terrible, terrible drug. I have told some of my friends, and they have talked to their doctors. It is really sad if you ask me!
Joan
salem nh 03079
I also have been on metropolol 200mg daily, and my side effects have been awful: stiffness in my legs and can hardly walk some days; nausea, extreme drowsiness, fatigue, and oh, so tired; burning and tingling under my feet after walking; swelling in my ankles and feet; and occasional nightmares.
I want off of this med. I used to take the brand Lopressor and felt great on it but they suddenly told me I had to go generic, that they were discontinuing the Lopressor. It seems like we all are at the mercy of this med once we are on it. It’s hell trying to get off of it.
good luck Joan
Jay S.
UT
Currently take Dr. Reddy’s, 1/2 of a Metoprolol 100MG ER tablet/day. Been taking generics for years. Current 2016 batch seems bad! Lately BP has been 10-20/10 pts higher. Today it’s was +40/10 of normal BP, and +20% of normal rate. Even after x2 doses today, still high…
WORST was Dr. Watson’s (2013) — such bad headaches, etc that I began bleeding out of both nostrils, streaming down my face (a few times). My Dr. told me that couldn’t happen, that I had probably picked my nose…(NO) I called pharmacy, they told me they recently changed to Dr. Watson’s. Immediately replaced my pills and all returned normal in ~24hrs.
xxxxxx
us
I took the generic once and it made me super sick. I was dizzy, sweaty, and I just felt plain gross. I always make sure to get name brand even if it is more expensive and more of a hassle.
Bonnie Christiaens
Montana
I have had problems with the some generic brands also. As long as I stay with the Par brand of
metoprolol I do great. Some of the generics are not time released and those are the ones that
cause me problems.
Joseph
Wow, I have just been reading all the comments about generic drugs, especially Metoprolol Succinate 25mg. I can’t agree more about the state of our pharmaceutical industry. We are all victims of cost savings, no one is looking out for us. I recently started taking the Metoprolol 25mg. (for about 90 days), I developed a very unusual aftertaste. It was a constant metallic smell / taste that grew progressively worse. In addition, I had a very upset stomach. My doctor said it was not the medicine, but if I wanted to, I could stop taking it. It took about a week for the medicine to clear my system, but the strange side effects did pass. I would also like to mention, it did nothing to lower by BP…… I am very curious about all this foreign manufacturing. Is anyone from the FDA regularly policing these facilities. I really doubt it, unless something major happens. The more I read, the more skeptical I am becoming. Please everyone keep sending in your thoughts and information. We need to remain vigilant. How many people are aware of what they are actually ingesting. In many cases the medicine is worse than our condition.
Jerry
I have been taking Toprol xl for many years with little or no issues. When I moved to another state a few years ago my new doctor felt compelled to move me to a Generic version right away. The new medicine was Metoprolol Succ . I immediately noticed a big difference in how it interacted with my PVC,s and my life in general. I would take the tablet as prescribed in the morning and found myself back on couch sleeping most of day. Later I would snap out of my malaise and just have to deal with my PVC,s increasing . I finally did some research and found that the Medication I had been switched to had been recalled do to production issues concerning the time release and exact dosage irregularities. I took the article to my doctor who remarked and I quote ” So that’s why I am having problems getting this Generic delivered to me on a regular basis”. Not Kidding,,,,,, He then looked at the article I printed and brought it up on his PC and read it in its entirety. I was immediately put back on Toprol xl and all negative symptoms subsided. (I have since gone under a cardiologists watchful eye and no longer use my GP for heart issues.)
However I am now facing the same situation 5 years later again. My insurance company insists I go on the generic and I have refused as CURRENT articles are reporting even more dire results with the Generics on this medication. I have finally been able to receive Toprol at an acceptable price but I do not know how long before someone steps in again and force me back to the generic.
I am totally at a loss as to how we must be forced by insurance pricing to use generic medications that are dangerous. Yes I can refuse but I was looking at a 90 day supply at 400 dollars if I do. I could go on but I think you all have gotten a clear picture of what I am up against here. This isn’t an aspirin I am talking about ,,,,its a heartbeat regulating ,,,blood pressure controlling etc etc etc medication. A final point. IF today I was diagnosed for the first time with my condition I would be given this Generic drug to use as a viable medication. It would not work and I would be sent into more testing and even more procedures to address my symptoms. I am fortunate that I have had history and research on my side,,,,, I think……
REBECCA P.
BATON ROUGE, LA
I have been taking metoprolol succ er 50 mg with no problems, recently our pharmacy started changing labs every time I refilled it. I started with severe palpitations and called the pharmacy, they filled it with another brand. Did ok, now they switched again and I am having the same problem.
My husband has A-FIB he can’t take the generic due to going into A-FIB.. his doctor switched him to TOPROL, he did fine, then his doctor changed it to the metoprolol succ er 50. When we saw the doctor he said it was the same, there was no way he had problems. I have researched and found they are not exactly the same and a pharmacist told us that the generic has to have the main ingredient, but the law doesn’t require them to have the same amount of it, the fillers are different and react differently with the main ingredient and differently with different people.
WHEN IS SOMETHING GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS? The drug companies are raising the brand prescriptions to force people to use the generics due to the cost. Maybe it is time the TV CHANNEL started investigating this. We can’t depend on our doctors to stand behind us, the insurance companies will disband them for pushing brands instead of generics.
Laura
United States
Began to think I was dying and too stupid to lie down. Have complained of numbers problems to physician, to no avail. Have taken metoprolol ER for more than 25 years. When it was switched to generic is unknown. For last 6 months have had many of the adverse symptoms listed. Why are we getting drugs from foreign countries and not US made?
susan
Colorado
Thank you for this article. One of my Metoprolol generics said it was manufactured by Teva USA, which has an Israeli parent, but a subsidiary in the US. In the middle of the night, I’d be woken up by my heart flopping around like a fish on a boat deck. Other nights I’d wake up with a racing heart. I knew it wasn’t me. I never had that problem and I haven’t had it since switching generics. I wrote the FDA and it looked into Teva’s metoprolol and recalled some batches. In other words Teva was distributing bad batches of the drug. Here’s the rub, when the drug was recalled, it was listed as manufactured by Amcare, an Indian company. Teva distributed the drug, but Teva was allowed to list itself as the manufacturer because it did something like buy it in bulk and repackage it. So, these drug companies can head over to India and buy generics from any company, repackage it and list themselves as the manufacturer when in fact, they are not the manufacturer. The consumer has never heard of Amcare, but she thinks Teva is a good name and the next thing she knows she has a malfunctioning heart beat and she’s fearing for her life.
M. Ferreira
N.Bedford-MA
5 years ago I had surgery for 2 hernias, since then the Dr put me on Metoprolol tartrate Brand, few years after the Pharmacy started giving generics, since then I feel very sick and dizzy, I talk to my doctor he says its not from metprolol. M.F
PS: Sorry my English isn’t too correct, but at least I Try.
SalW
I get weekly emails from the FDA which include all recalls, but there has not been one mention of this recall. My husband and I recently saw his cardiologist, and he was very interested in all of this information.
I have to assume there is a problem in getting the message out to the health professionals that need it and also to unsuspecting patients.
Since generic companies are not required to put lot numbers on their drugs, there is no way to know what to pull from the shelves. I doubt there is any information a pharmacy can get from the FDA if they don’t really believe it is a problem. So, these pills still remain on the shelves because no one thinks there really is a serious problem.
For our protection, we are staying away from the four pharmaceutical companies in India which have had problems. If no one will protect us, we will do it ourselves.
Bunny
I have been on Metoprolol succ. ER for a longtime. Recently I came close to running out of my prescription, called my internist to just order what I needed for a short time until my mail order came in. I have always had AstraZeneca and the fill in was from Watson. I had to stop the Watson brand D/T it made me extremely dizzy and could not function. So all generics are not created equal. I did call Watson and reported the issue, my local pharmacy told me to stop taking it.
P Braddock
I was recently shifted to Metoprolol succinate from another beta blocker and was supplied by my pharmacy with Dr. Reddy’s 50mg round tablet scored, making it possible to reduce one dose to two/25mg doses. Why would only the 25mg version be recalled? Is my supply effective and is it safe?
Colleen
UT
The Dr. Reddy’s metoprolol 50 XL caused my throat to swell after a few days. For a week, I could not figure out what was going on and it was very scary. I reported it to the FDA but am not sure they will do anything. I figure if they cannot figure out how to do extended release in the 25 mg, how could they do it for the 50 mg?
sharon
I’ve been taking Metoprolol Succ ER for years and it does a good job on my a-fib. However, I’m wondering if it is causing the severe weakness I experience…not tiredness…but weakness. Can anyone help? -sharon
joan
nh
The weakness you are feeling is from metropolol, I to have the same thing. But I am told to keep on taking it or something worst can happen. I am on diltiazem and metropolol succinate and feel sick and weak and know its my medication. I wish I had answers.
DONNA
I have been taking metoprolol for a year, and have been noticing a very tired feeling and a much lower blood pressure the last few months… plus the fact the shape of the pill changed recently… I too, will be checking with my mail order delivery service and questioning my doctor about this, and going back to toprol if I can afford it. Thank you for the info……
CarolF
Kathy, what did you finally settle on instead of the Levoxyl? I haven’t noticed any side effect from the generic but my TSH bounces around and I have had some hair loss. I am known for my thick hair so nobody notices it but me. I never had any symptoms of low thyroid. It was just picked up in a blood test years ago. I would like to go back to Levoxyl but now is it more expensive.
RB
For women taking Zetia, there seems to be better effectiveness if we also take good quality fish oil. Like ND who commented this morning, I don’t tolerate statins (nor does my sister nor our 3 late brothers). Fish oil helps, as well as providing some relief of arthritic joints.
ND
I have been on metoprolol succ ER 25 mg for a few years, since I had a minor heart attack (never really sure why I’m on it). Mine are from PAR. I am not aware of any issues for me. It does worry me though that affordable meds may be dangerous. Paying for Plavix was a real problem, I hope there are not problems with the generic. Blood “thinners” have potential for very real danger. Now I have to take Zetia, because each of the three statin drugs I tried caused muscle pain, Zetia is quite expensive. Wish I didn’t need meds.
Teresa
Why are our drugs being made in foreign countries? We need jobs in this country. I know it’s all about money savings, but how much are you saving if people end up in the hospital, or worse case, dead?
I too recently had a problem with generic Ziac. Food Lion pharmacy switched generic drug companies in January. It took me a couple of months to realize the generic they switched me to (which I’m sure was a cost savings to Food Lion!) was not working.
I thought I was going to end up in the ER! I had some of the original generic prescription in my purse and started taking it and my symptoms went away within a couple of days. I went to Food Lion Pharmacy and they switched me back to the original generic. Let’s bring our manufacturing of drugs home.
NBM
If the response to this topic, on this site, is any indication of the problems with the generic versions of medicines in this country, we are in big trouble!! Something needs to be done, at the national level, to get the FDA’s attention. I would suggest a “Congressional Investigation”, but with the “do nothing Congress” we now have in office, that would be a futile effort. Has PP considered sending the FDA copies of all these complaints?
Michelle
Sol nag California
This is for NBM… I also had radio ablation in. 2012, I had taken 1 1/2 pills of metropolol Succinate ER 25 mg .. Cut in half… Scrip filled in 4/’12 and MY heartbeat began to skip and flutter and be unstable. I was hospitalized twice in the ER and they gave me SOME shot that worked for about 48 hrs but they said they couldn’t do any more or my ventricles could start going into fib, that I had to have ablation. By luck I live 35 mi from the only place between SF and LA so by luck had someone drive me to the hospital for
The ablation. It worked- but why did I need it…? Wondering now too if it was the Mylan Co. metropolol succinate ER I took….
LND
This same thing happened to me with the generic Toprol XL. I was hospitalized twice over irregular heartbeat. This last time I had to be shocked back into rhythm. I had an ablation the first time. They need to do something about this. I am on Sotalol now. Still not working so well.
Michelle
Solvang Californin
LND-sorry-above comment was meant for you since you had ablation too..
Kathy
I went through a terrible transition period when Levoxil for my thryroid was taken off the market because it had a funny smell. I had been on the same dose for 30 years. I had heart problems, my blood levels when haywire and after trying three or four other generics and Synthroid. I am balanced again. I am off the heart medication and it has been hard to get the doctor to take the diagnosis of heart problems off my chart, he still wants me on heart medications. KC
Henrietta
I worry, too. I am the only person at my pharmacy now getting the brand name Avapro. All the other customers are getting the generic version. Wondering what to do if it is no longer manufactured. The brand name is extremely more expensive, but, to me, worth it!
MB
I have been concerned and have followed your information re: generics…I also have been taking metoprolol (generic) for several years…I just re-ceived my new refill and noticed that it is made by “Watson”…Is there a possible problem with this maker?? Thank you.
Emma C.
I have been hospitalized 3 times in the last 2 years with A-Fib, then DVTs/PEs and then severe iron deficient anemia. The last 2 were also with A-Fib as well. I have been on metopral xl since prior to the first A-Fib hospitalization. I remember being changed from round to diamond shaped tablets a short time before that episode and feeling the arrhythmia followed by GI problems.
Admission diagnosis was dehydration induced A-Fib. Now I wonder…. Being a RN it is hard to face patients and say check what your pills look like and if they change shape, color size, do not trust them. We are responsible for teaching side effects, and now this as well. Hard to build patient trust in light of this new info.
rosemarie
I hate taking Metroprotol for sometime, the MFC is Watson, but have been have palpitations, but they refuse to believe me and keep saying it normal.
Jesse
I take Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets, USP 50 mg. It is distributed by Wal-Mart. These are manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma Limited, Hyderabad, India. Do you know of any recall or problems with this medication? I find your newsletters extremely informative. Thanks, Jesse
BTx
I was put on Metoprol Succ E.R., 50 mg Tab 1 tab 2 times a day when I had to be admitted into the hospital for tachycardia. I was found to have supra ventricular as well as mild hypertension and migraines. I noticed right away that I have to take this on time or even early or else I get weak, very rapid heart rate and high B/P. If I miss one which I cannot do I am sick for hours. Is this normal? This medicine scares me! I think it caused my blood pressure to elevate when it runs out. I would give anything to be able to quit this and the many other dangerous medications I’m on for multiple illnesses.. The FDA is not doing their job in our favor it seems.
RD
If these foreign companies are not inspected and monitored, this is going to continue
to happen. USA drug companies are too money hungry to bother manufacturing more Generic drugs.
HB
Regarding generic drugs, I have used a generic Percocet 10-325, as needed only for severe pain, for several years without major problems. My health plan just changed suppliers, now dispensing that medication only by Aurobindo. When I take it, I do get some relief from the original pain, but experience bloating that feels like I’ve swallowed a watermelon whole, and have abdominal pain which lasts into the next day, and almost need dynamite for constipation! I know this medication and this shouldn’t happen! The pharmacist said she couldn’t help me, because this major-plan pharmacy has this new supplier from India. They won’t special order from another supplier, even with my problems with it, and my neurologist couldn’t convince them.
The next time needed, I took a remaining tablet from original prescription, without problem. At my request, the doctor wrote a prescription I could fill outside my medical plan, which I did, and this generic seems OK, but for 18 times the price to me! When severe pain shuts down my life, I guess I’ll pay whatever I have to, if I can!
HB
Nancy
I believe I am the “Nancy” who wrote you about my problems w generic Toprol XR in 2007. After writing you, I contacted my cardiologist and mailed him info from your web site. He made sure my prescriptions for the Toprol XR were specified, “Do Not Substitute Brand Name Drug”. I had no further problems with this drug, but, in 2013, my cardiologist switched me to a different Beta Blocker, Sectral (generic–Acebutelol), which I take in the generic form, with no problems, and better control of my irregular heart beats (PVCs).
Helen
Imports from India have to stop. This has gone on too long. Readers need to contact all their Senate and House members with complaints.
DJ
My wife & I really appreciate PP in providing these updates & alerts by email.
There are many dangerous drugs approved by the FDA, that we need to be vigilant about, before they kill us! What will it take to clean up the FDA of its corruption??
Debbie O
I have taken atenolol on and off over the years for palpitations when I lie down at night. I have been on it quite a few years now. I have had 2 different doctors I have talked to about not taking it anymore and they both said it was an old drug and proven safe. That it does more good than harm and wanted me to continue to take it (famous last words). This makes me more alarmed that these drugs are over administered. Do you have to gradually stop taking this medication or can you just stop altogether. I take this my husband takes it and my father takes it, wondering how safe it is, they both have had heart attacks.
In NC
Not the FDA, that’s for sure.
In NC
This makes me furious. My 94 yr old mother’s internist had to go through multiple hoops to get Tricare to approve her for brand-name coverage on Toprol XL after they switched her prescription to metropolol without bothering to check whether she had ever tried the generic (she had) and whether or not it had been effective (it had not).
This was several years ago but when she had emergency surgery last year the resident kept trying to convince me that the metropolol they were giving her during her stay was just as good as the brand name. He was absolutely convinced that I was wrong and that the generic was actually better w/o being able to explain why they had to double the dose.
What happens to patients who don’t have squeaky wheel children looking out for them?
SEC
I am currently taking Wellbutrin xl tabs 300 mg. also listed on bottle as generic equlvalent for bupropion hcl xi tabs, escitalopram 20 mg generic for lexapto 20 mg, warfarin sodium tabs 5 mg generic for coumadin 5 mg, persantine 75 mg generic for dipyridamole, lanoxin tabs 0.25mg generic digoxin, atorvastatin 40mg generic for lipitor,and carvedilol 25 mg. Can you tell me of any problems with these generics.
Thank you for looking out for us !!!!!
SEC
pp
Dear Friends,
It’s time for us to find a sympathetic congressman or senator to have hearings on this problem; We need to develop a list of this sort of thing and request Congress to develop legislation that requires more of big Pharma and gives American manufacturers a leg up in doing the job properly!
Let’s start a movement!
jas
I don’t take any of the drugs listed here, however, I’ve had many, many problems with generics for prednisone (methylprednisolone) and other antibiotic generics. Pharmacists have told me I might be sensitive to the “fillers” in generics. I request brand names, but brands seem to be disappearing. What are we “sensitives” to do when we can’t buy brand name drugs?
cara
Medical doctors and the FDA care nothing about how drugs affect patients. They won’t even acknowledge there could be problems. I was on Actos for diabetes. I almost died before finally going to a naturopathic doctor who investigated the drug and pulled me off of it saying it’s a terrible drug for me. Three doctors and an ER room doc. told me it couldn’t be the drug. It was.
After being off of it for about three weeks, all the edema left. In our state, naturopathics can prescribe meds. So it wasn’t like my doctor was trying to get me on a supplement. Know your body, keep records, fight. You are all you have sometimes.
nb
There are other drugs that need to be checked. I was taking Cymbalta for depression and to help joint pain. The Insurance pharmacy sent me a generic called Duloxitine. I became a Zombie.
Realizing what caused it I now take it in the evening and I get a good night’s sleep. However, I will now be tapering off and try more natural means of help.
Glenn L
My wife has taken Clebrex for depression for a couple of years. About 3 months ago she was switched to a generic version. Within as couple of days she began to experience mood swings and finally talk of suicide.
I called the doctor and she was switched back to the name brand. It took a few days but eventually everything returned to the way it was and she is doing fine now. We will not be experimenting with the generic brand of this drug again.
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
We suspect that the spelling/name of this drug got scrambled. Celebrex (celecoxib) is an anti-inflammatory drug for pain. Glenn, we would like to know which antidepressant your wife was taking.
RB
It’s not entirely a joke that I refer to myself as a pharmaceutical waste dump: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, rheumatoid and osteo arthritis. A piece of good news is that, when I switched my prescriptions to Costco Pharmacy. I now have manufacturer’s name and lot numbers as well as specific expiration dates on every prescription filled. All information that was not available from pharmacy I used in our old home town — and it was a grocery store chain.
Alice M. A.
I get my generic toprol ex from Prime Mai and now I’m worried.
MA
Thank you for this article. I am currently taking the Dr. Reddy 25mg ER tablets. There is no lot number on the bottle, and I will be checking with my pharmacist today. I am very interested, obviously, in this topic and wish to follow any future comments.
PRK
I have had side effects from GENERICS that landed me in the hospital!
I can’t afford the brand name drugs; some are hundreds of dollars!
It is time for the USA government to BRING back manufacturing of all of our drugs to the good old USA!
These foreign PHARMACEUTICAL companies are killing people & the FDA is not watching.
It’s all about GREED & MONEY at the expense of American lives!
This has got to STOP NOW!
Write; call or e-mail your U.S. Senators & U.S. Representatives & tell them they are there to protect us!
Mary V.
I take Metoprolol Succ ER, 50 mg TAB from CVS. It says on the label: “MFR: PAR PHARM” and in Parentheses: “Common Brand(s): Toprol XL”. So what does that mean? Was it manufactured in India and by whom?
I have been taking this pill for some time as prescribed by my cardiologist, a well-known professor at UVA Medical School in Charlottesville, VA. How do I tell what is happening with this drug and whether I should worry. To date, I have suffered no ill effects–that I know about.
My Prandin costs $100 for a two month supply. I am resisting taking a generic substitute for Prandin but, Prandin is very expensive. What is a person to do?
PEOPLE’S PHARMACY RESPONSE:
We would encourage you to contact the pharmacy that dispensed the pills and ask about the company that manufactured or supplied them. Inquire whether there was a recall. The 50 mg has not been on the Dr. Reddy’s recall, only the 25 mg.
E Smith
Does atenolol have the same problems as metropolol? Is it a generic also?
ron
What about calcium supplements and death rates???!!!
Charlotte B.
I really apprecite the alerts from P.P. is anyone else watching and concerned about us?
HR
What is the correct and full info of what the bad version did?
lm
All of the above happened to my elderly mother. Trips to the ER and hospital stays. Driving all over town trying to find the brand name or the previous generic that didn’t make her sick. Is it cheaper to have these drugs properly tested than to have people end up in the hospital?
It just makes me so sad. Knowingly making medications that aren’t what they are suppose to be—which can be life threatening— is akin to murder.
Ceebie
What do you know about generic Adderall?