Check your medicine cabinet: Thousands of pain relievers recalled over safety concerns
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Many of us keep a bottle of pain relievers nearby for everyday aches and pains, trusting they’ll be safe and effective when we need them.
But a new product recall is raising concerns—and it's a good reminder to take a closer look at what’s in your medicine cabinet.
A common over-the-counter medication has been pulled from shelves in the US after reports of a visual defect that could signal deeper manufacturing issues.
The problem may not be life-threatening, but it’s still serious enough to act on.
Here’s what’s been recalled, why it matters, and what you should do if you have this product at home.
What product is being recalled?
The recall involves bottles of 325 mg acetaminophen tablets, packaged in 100-count containers.
These tablets were distributed by Amazon.com Services LLC and manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc., based in New Jersey.
The specific product to look for carries the lot number AEF124004A and has an expiration date of August 31, 2026.
The tablets are described as round, uncoated, and white to off-white in color, debossed with “N74” on one side.
The affected bottles were shipped in grey boxes with "Amazon" printed on the top left corner.
Also read: A new blood pressure breakthrough? What this promising medication could mean for you
Why is this recall happening?
The recall was triggered by several consumer complaints about the appearance of the tablets—specifically, a brown discoloration on the surface.
This raised warning signs about potential manufacturing issues, prompting an internal investigation.
The manufacturer found deviations from what’s known as cGMP standards, or Current Good Manufacturing Practices, which are strict quality guidelines required for drug production.
As a result, the FDA classified this as a Class II recall—meaning the product could potentially cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, though it’s not considered to pose a life-threatening risk.
Still, that’s enough reason to take the issue seriously and stop using the affected product immediately.
Also read: FDA warning: Hidden risks in popular asthma medication
How to check if you’re affected
If you have acetaminophen in your cabinet, take a moment to examine the bottle.
Look for the lot number AEF124004A and the expiration date August 31, 2026.
If your bottle matches, it’s part of the recall. Do not continue taking tablets from that bottle, even if they look normal.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and follow the return instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Also read: Is your brain at risk? Doctors urge caution with this common over-the-counter medication
How to return the product
Aurobindo Pharma has issued an official recall notice with instructions on how to return the affected bottles.
You can also contact PharmaLink at (888) 256-1568 for help or more information.
The company has made a Product Return Response Form available as well, which provides detailed guidance on returning the product safely.
Also read: Is your blood pressure medication safe? Shocking recall of 600,000 bottles could affect you!
Why this matters to older adults
As we age, we may be taking more daily medications, which makes it even more essential to ensure they’re stored properly, checked regularly, and safe to use.
Something as simple as a change in tablet color or smell could indicate a problem.
Whether it’s due to manufacturing issues or expired medication, it’s always worth pausing to check before taking anything unfamiliar.
Also read: Accidentally took expired medication? Learn which pills could be most harmful to you
How to keep your medicine cabinet safe
Use these simple steps to stay on top of medication safety at home:
Staying on top of medication safety doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a few minutes and a little vigilance.
Whether it’s checking expiration dates or responding to a recall like this one, these simple habits can help protect your health and give you peace of mind.
Read next: Are the medications you take secretly raising your risk of heat stroke? Find out which ones to watch out for
We want to hear from you. Have you come across a discolored tablet or a strange smell that made you hesitate? Did you ever catch a mistake before taking something unsafe? Share your experience in the comments to help others stay alert.
And if you found this article useful, pass it along to friends or family—especially those who may not check their medicine cabinets often. A small step like this can go a long way in protecting your health!
But a new product recall is raising concerns—and it's a good reminder to take a closer look at what’s in your medicine cabinet.
A common over-the-counter medication has been pulled from shelves in the US after reports of a visual defect that could signal deeper manufacturing issues.
The problem may not be life-threatening, but it’s still serious enough to act on.
Here’s what’s been recalled, why it matters, and what you should do if you have this product at home.
A new recall is urging consumers to check their pain relievers for safety issues, including signs of discoloration. Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay.
What product is being recalled?
The recall involves bottles of 325 mg acetaminophen tablets, packaged in 100-count containers.
These tablets were distributed by Amazon.com Services LLC and manufactured by Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc., based in New Jersey.
The specific product to look for carries the lot number AEF124004A and has an expiration date of August 31, 2026.
The tablets are described as round, uncoated, and white to off-white in color, debossed with “N74” on one side.
The affected bottles were shipped in grey boxes with "Amazon" printed on the top left corner.
Also read: A new blood pressure breakthrough? What this promising medication could mean for you
Why is this recall happening?
The recall was triggered by several consumer complaints about the appearance of the tablets—specifically, a brown discoloration on the surface.
This raised warning signs about potential manufacturing issues, prompting an internal investigation.
The manufacturer found deviations from what’s known as cGMP standards, or Current Good Manufacturing Practices, which are strict quality guidelines required for drug production.
As a result, the FDA classified this as a Class II recall—meaning the product could potentially cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, though it’s not considered to pose a life-threatening risk.
Still, that’s enough reason to take the issue seriously and stop using the affected product immediately.
Also read: FDA warning: Hidden risks in popular asthma medication
How to check if you’re affected
If you have acetaminophen in your cabinet, take a moment to examine the bottle.
Look for the lot number AEF124004A and the expiration date August 31, 2026.
If your bottle matches, it’s part of the recall. Do not continue taking tablets from that bottle, even if they look normal.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and follow the return instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Also read: Is your brain at risk? Doctors urge caution with this common over-the-counter medication
How to return the product
Aurobindo Pharma has issued an official recall notice with instructions on how to return the affected bottles.
You can also contact PharmaLink at (888) 256-1568 for help or more information.
The company has made a Product Return Response Form available as well, which provides detailed guidance on returning the product safely.
Also read: Is your blood pressure medication safe? Shocking recall of 600,000 bottles could affect you!
Why this matters to older adults
As we age, we may be taking more daily medications, which makes it even more essential to ensure they’re stored properly, checked regularly, and safe to use.
Something as simple as a change in tablet color or smell could indicate a problem.
Whether it’s due to manufacturing issues or expired medication, it’s always worth pausing to check before taking anything unfamiliar.
Also read: Accidentally took expired medication? Learn which pills could be most harmful to you
How to keep your medicine cabinet safe
Use these simple steps to stay on top of medication safety at home:
- Check expiration dates regularly. Outdated medications can become less effective or even unsafe.
- Inspect pills before taking them. Look for discoloration, crumbling, or unusual odors.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity can affect drug stability.
- Properly dispose of old or recalled meds. Don’t throw them in the trash—many pharmacies offer take-back programs.
- Keep a written list of your medications. This helps with doctor visits and can be critical in an emergency.
Staying on top of medication safety doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a few minutes and a little vigilance.
Whether it’s checking expiration dates or responding to a recall like this one, these simple habits can help protect your health and give you peace of mind.
Read next: Are the medications you take secretly raising your risk of heat stroke? Find out which ones to watch out for
We want to hear from you. Have you come across a discolored tablet or a strange smell that made you hesitate? Did you ever catch a mistake before taking something unsafe? Share your experience in the comments to help others stay alert.
And if you found this article useful, pass it along to friends or family—especially those who may not check their medicine cabinets often. A small step like this can go a long way in protecting your health!
