Bristol-Myers Squibb is voluntarily recalling one lot of the anticoagulant, Eliquis (apixaban), in 5-mg tablets to the consumer level. This lot was distributed nationwide in the US to wholesalers and retail pharmacies in February 2017. Bristol-Myers Squibb is taking this precautionary measure based on a customer complaint that a bottle labeled as Eliquis 5 mg was found to contain Eliquis 2.5-mg tablets.

There are distinct visible differences between the two tablet strengths, including colors, size, and markings that distinguish the 2.5-mg and 5-mg tablets to decrease the likelihood of an incorrect dose. The 2.5-mg presentation is a yellow, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet with “893” debossed on one side and “2½” on the other side. The 5-mg presentation is a pink, oval, biconvex, film-coated tablet with “894” debossed on one side and “5” on the other side.

Eliquis had 2016 global sales of $3.3 billion.

Source: Bristol-Myers Squibb