3-milligram tablets of Xanax XR, the brand name for the drug alprazolam, sold in 60-tablet bottles were initially recalled by the distributor Viatris on March 17. On Wednesday, April 15, the pills were recalled nationwide after they “failed dissolution specifications,” according to the FDA.<\/p>\n
The FDA classified the recall as a Class II, indicating “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,” per the agency.<\/p>\n
Pills marked as part of lot number 8177156 are impacted by the recall. The medication will be marked with an expiration date of 02\/28\/2027.<\/p>\n
Anyone who has been prescribed the affected pills should stop taking them immediately, and dispose<\/a> of them safely.<\/p>\n FDA Sign The pills were distributed to patients between Aug 27, 2024, and May 29, 2025, per the California State Board of Pharmacy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Xanax is typically prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety associated with several mental health conditions. “It works by helping your nervous system calm down,” per Cleveland Clinic<\/a>. It is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines in the U.S.<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for\u00a0PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a>\u00a0to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.<\/p>\n PEOPLE has reached out to a representative for Viatris for comment.<\/p>\n![\"FDA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0ea356d4de886acaa7754277e7385faa.jpeg\"\/)
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Credit: Sarah Silbiger\/Getty<\/p>\n