Generic Celexa Recall Issued Over Possible Labeling Mistake

A Pfizer subsidiary has recalled some bottles of generic Celexa and generic Propecia because the labels may have become confused. 

The generic Celexa and Propecia recall was announced last week by Greenstone LLC, after it was discovered that some bottles of generic Celexa, an antidepressant, may actually contain generic Propecia, a drug used to treat enlarged prostates and male pattern baldness. A third-party manufacturer made the medication mistake, according to a Greenstone press release.

The side effects of generic Celexa (Citalopram) and generic Propecia (Finasteride) can be dangerous if taken by the wrong person. Some people have hypersensitivity to Celexa, and pregnant women taking Propecia or even handling the pills are at increased risk of having a child with genital birth defects. There are no known reports of injuries, illnesses, or of consumers taking the wrong pills in connection with this recall.

The recall affects Citalopram 10mg Tablets in 100-count bottles and Finasteride 5mg Tablets in 90-count bottles. Both have a lot number of FI0510058.

Celexa belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It was originally created in 1989 by Lundbeck. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depression, however it is often used off-label to treat other psychological disorders.

Propecia was approved in 1992 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and also is approved to treat male pattern baldness. It was originally marketed by Merck as Proscar.

Earlier this month a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggested that Propecia side effects could include erectile dysfunction, reduced semen production, growth of male breast tissue and loss of libido. The researchers said that Propecia male sexual dysfunction could persist in some men even after they stop taking the drug.