Two separate FDA recalls issued this week affect patients who received IV antibiotics during surgery and those taking over-the-counter allergy medication. The first involves Baxter cefazolin IV bags contaminated with cardboard particles, while the second affects cetirizine allergy tablets potentially cross-contaminated with ranitidine. Neither recall has resulted in reported adverse events so far, but both carry serious health risks if the contaminated products were used.

What's Being Recalled and Why?

On July 24, 2026, the FDA announced a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of Baxter cefazolin in dextrose, a common IV antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and prevent surgical site infections. The problem: cardboard-like particles were discovered in the solution inside the IV bags. Lot LD175708, which expires February 14, 2027, was distributed between March 25, 2025, and June 30, 2025.

Separately, the FDA posted a recall of four lots of cetirizine hydrochloride 5 mg tablets due to potential cross-contamination with ranitidine, a medication used to treat heartburn and acid reflux. The affected lots are GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, and GY825032, all expiring in October 2028.

Why Are These Contaminations Dangerous?

Foreign material in an IV medication poses serious risks because particles can travel directly into the bloodstream. According to the FDA's risk assessment, use of the contaminated cefazolin could cause pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs), blockages in other blood vessels that may lead to tissue death and organ damage, and phlebitis, which is inflammation of vein walls that can trigger dangerous clotting. The FDA also noted possible systemic effects including immune system activation, organ dysfunction, and hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells.

For the cetirizine recall, the concern is anaphylaxis in people who are hypersensitive to ranitidine. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Blood Clot After Surgery?

If you received cefazolin during surgery, watch for symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs. These symptoms can develop during recovery or weeks afterward. Seek emergency care immediately by calling 911 if you experience any of the following:

• Breathing problems: Sudden shortness of breath, wheezing, or rapid breathing
• Chest discomfort: Pain or pressure in the chest, especially when coughing or taking a deep breath
• Heart rate changes: A noticeably faster heartbeat or irregular rhythm
• Coughing up blood: Any blood in sputum or phlegm
• Dizziness or fainting: Lightheadedness, fainting, or signs of very low blood pressure

It's important to note that these symptoms can have multiple causes after surgery, but they should never be ignored. Emergency clinicians can assess what's happening and determine whether urgent testing or treatment is needed.

What Are the Signs of Anaphylaxis From the Cetirizine Recall?

If you take cetirizine and develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, treat it as a medical emergency. Anaphylaxis warning signs include trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or face, widespread hives and itching, dizziness or fainting, difficulty swallowing, and loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. If you have a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, use it as directed for anaphylaxis, then still seek emergency care.

How to Check If Your Medications Are Affected

• For cefazolin: Contact the surgical team, hospital pharmacy, or outpatient infusion staff that provided the medication and ask whether the unit administered was from Lot LD175708 with an expiration date of February 14, 2027. The National Drug Code (NDC) is 0338-3508-41.
• For cetirizine: Check your bottle label for NDC 16571-401-10 and lot numbers GY825029, GY825030, GY825031, or GY825032, all expiring in October 2028. If your bottle matches, follow the recall steps described in the FDA notice and contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider about your allergy medication plan.
• If already discharged: Ask your facility how to report any symptoms and how they document exposure to recalled product. This creates an official record in case symptoms develop later.

As of July 24, 2026, Baxter had not received any adverse event reports related to the cefazolin contamination, and the FDA has reported no adverse events tied to the cetirizine recall. However, the absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is zero; it reflects the fact that not all affected patients may have experienced complications or reported them.

If you believe you were exposed to either recalled product and develop concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care immediately. Keep the lot number and expiration date from your medication bottle handy when you call, as this information helps clinicians assess your risk.