CVS Recalls Generic Drugs at Higher Rates Than Walgreens Due to FDA Loophole

Jun 11, 2024, 03:30 AM

CVS has recalled generic drugs at higher rates than its peers, including Walgreens. The recalls are linked to tainted factories, which are part of a broader issue with a US regulatory loophole. Public records reveal that CVS hired at least 15 manufacturers cited for manufacturing problems, more than twice as many as Walgreens. Specific issues include a factory using contaminated water for children's medications, another producing overly potent drugs for kids, and a third using the same machines for nasal sprays and pesticides. A factory in Xiamen, China, was banned from sending drugs to the US due to microbiological contamination risks. FDA officials also found red flags in Indian factories supplying eye drops to CVS and Walmart, including Brassica Pharma. Stanford professor Kevin Schulman commented on the cost-cutting measures leading to quality issues, while FDA spokesperson Amanda Hils discussed the regulatory gap for store-brand drugs.