Something you purchased has been recalled. What does that mean?
What happens if something you purchase is recalled? Is it voluntary or mandatory? And what does it mean for you?
Major Rugby, the drug manufacturer that makes levothyroxine sodium tablets, has announced a nationwide recall of the common thyroid medication, according to a letter sent to retailers earlier this month.
Consumers are being asked to return medicines to the place of purchase, but Major Rugby said in a letter that taking the medicines was “unlikely to cause any adverse health effects”.
Here’s what you need to know about recalled products and how to identify them.
12 packages of levothyroxine sodium tablets are recalled
Major Rugby has announced a recall of 12 packages of levothyroxine sodium tablets, including individual packs of 10 and boxes of 10 blister packs.
The Mayo Clinic notes that levothyroxine sodium tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland, and a type of thyroid cancer.
The tablets, sold under the Major and Cardinal brand names, were distributed nationwide from January 2025, according to a recall letter sent by Major Rugby to retailers.
Supplier: Recalled medicines “unlikely to cause adverse health effects”
Major Rugby said in the letter that taking the recalled medicines was “unlikely to result in any adverse health effects”, but suggested the tablets be returned to the place of purchase.
According to the letter and a report from the Food and Drug Administration, the recalled pills are “subpotent,” meaning they are less effective than they should be.
Additionally, if you find a recalled product in your medicine cabinet, you should consult your doctor or doctor.
Complete list of recalled packages
The following are affected packages, all of which require a prescription.
25 mcg (0.025 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02212, Exp. date 07/2026
50 mcg (0.050 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02200, Exp. date October 2026
75 mcg (0.075 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02172, Exp. date 07/2026
- Lot number N02296, N02288, Exp. date December 2026
88 mcg (0.088 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02310, Exp. date 01/2027
112 mcg (0.0112 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02203, Exp. date 09/2026
125 mcg (0.0125 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02266, Exp. date November 2026
150 mcg (0.0150 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot number N02167, Exp. date 07/2026
25 mcg (0.025 mg), 10 tablets (10 unit dose blisters)
- Bag lot number N02212A, N02212B, Exp. date 07/2026
- Blister Lot No. N02212, Exp. Date 07/2026
50 mcg (0.050 mg), 10 tablets (10 unit dose blisters)
- Bag lot number N02200A, N02200B, Exp. date October 2026
- Blister lot number N02200, Exp. date October 2026
125 mcg (0.0125 mg), 10 tablets (10 x 1) unit dose blister per carton
- Bag lot number N02266A, N02266B, Exp. date November 2026
- Blister Lot Number N02266, Exp. Date November 2026
150 mcg (0.0150 mg), 10 tablets (10 x 1) unit dose blister per carton
- Bag lot number N02167A, Exp. date 07/2026
- Blister Lot No. N02167, Exp. Date 07/2026
Drew Pittock covers trending news from around the country for USA TODAY. He can be reached at DPittock@usatodayco.com.
