Something you bought was just recalled. What does that mean?
What happens when something you purchase is recalled? Is it voluntary or mandatory? And what does it mean for you?
Major Rugby, a pharmaceutical manufacturer that produces levothyroxine sodium tablets, issued a nationwide recall for the common thyroid medication, according to a letter it sent to retailers earlier this month.
While consumers are being urged to return their medicine to the point of purchase, Major Rugby said in its letter that taking them “is not likely to cause adverse health effects.”
Here’s what you should know about the recalled products and how to identify them.
12 levothyroxine sodium tablet packages recalled
Major Rugby issued a recall for 12 of its levothyroxine sodium tablet packages, including individual packs of 10 and boxes containing 10 blister packs.
The Mayo Clinic notes that levothyroxine sodium tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism, enlarged thyroid glands and a type of thyroid cancer.
The tablets, sold under the Major and Cardinal brand names, were distributed nationwide beginning in January 2025, according to Major Rugby’s recall letter sent to retailers.
Supplier: Recalled medication ‘not likely to cause adverse health effects’
Major Rugby said in its letter that taking the recalled medication “is not likely to cause adverse health effects,” though it suggests returning the tablets 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 deliver less medication than they’re supposed to.
Customers should also consult their doctor or physician if they find the recalled product in their medicine cabinet.
Full list of recalled packages
Below are the affected packages, all of which require a prescription:
25 mcg (0.025 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02212, Exp. Date 07/2026
50 mcg (0.050 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02200, Exp. Date 10/2026
75 mcg (0.075 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02172, Exp. Date 07/2026
- Lot # N02296, N02288, Exp. Date 12/2026
88 mcg (0.088 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02310, Exp. Date 01/2027
112 mcg (0.0112 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02203, Exp. Date 09/2026
125 mcg (0.0125 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02266, Exp. Date 11/2026
150 mcg (0.0150 mg), 100 tablets (10 x 10 unit dose blisters)
- Lot # N02167, Exp. Date 07/2026
25 mcg (0.025 mg), 10 tablets (10 x 1 unit dose blisters)
- Bag lot # N02212A, N02212B, Exp. Date 07/2026
- Blister lot # N02212, Exp. Date 07/2026
50 mcg (0.050 mg), 10 Tablets (10 x 1 unit dose blisters)
- Bag lot # N02200A, N02200B, Exp. Date 10/2026
- Blister lot # N02200, Exp. Date 10/2026
125 mcg (0.0125 mg), 10 tablets (10 x 1) unit dose blisters per carton
- Bag lot # N02266A, N02266B, Exp. Date 11/2026
- Blister lot # N02266, Exp. Date 11/2026
150 mcg (0.0150 mg), 10 tablets (10 x 1) unit dose blisters per carton
- Bag lot # N02167A, Exp. Date 07/2026
- Blister lot # N02167, Exp. Date 07/2026
Drew Pittock covers national trending news for USA TODAY. He can be reached at [email protected].
