Popular Prescription Medication Xanax Is Being Recalled Nationwide
Over the last couple of decades in the United States, mental health has become increasingly important to the average American. That being said, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, roughly 40 million adults in this country struggle with anxiety disorders each year, and a medication commonly used to treat panic disorders and anxiety is the popular prescription drug Xanax. Sadly, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting that the pharmaceutical company that makes the benzodiazepines, Viatris, has issued a voluntary recall on Xanax as of March 17. So just why is there a recall for the famous drug?
Viatris Recalls Xanax Because of a “Dissolution” Issue
Getty Images/Drazen Zigic
The FDA simply states that Viatris issued a voluntary recall of Xanax (a Class II recall) over “failed dissolution specifications” issues. According to an NBC story, problems with dissolution specifications could mean “pills aren't as effective, or that they don't release the correct dosage.” The particular Xanax medication being recalled is Xanax XR, alprazolam, extended-release tablets, 3 mg, 60-tablet bottles from Lot# 8177156 with an expiration date of February 28, 2027. Additionally, the affected pills were distributed in the United States between Aug 27, 2024, and May 29, 2025. As of publication, there have been no reported illnesses or deaths associated with this latest recall from Viatris.
It should also be noted that Class II recalls are typically deemed temporary. By FDA definition, a Class II recall is defined as:
“A situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
If you have been prescribed Xanax and want to appropriately determine if your medication has been impacted by the recall, you should contact your prescribing physician and/or pharmacist for more clarifying information.
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