Two Recalls. Two Very Different Problems.

The FDA has issued recalls on two common medications in May 2026. Most coverage is treating them as routine consumer alerts. One of them is. The other one deserves more scrutiny.

---

Gas-X: Labeling Problem, NOT a Contamination Crisis

On May 19, the FDA issued a recall of 285,330 blister cards of Gas-X — specifically the Simethicone 125 mg, 120-count softgel packs. The manufacturer is Haleon US Holdings LLC, a New Jersey-based company whose portfolio also includes Advil, Tums, Centrum, Flonase, and Sensodyne, according to Yahoo News.

The reason for the recall: "incomplete inactive ingredient information on the carton labeling."

That's it. The drug itself — simethicone — is NOT the problem. Nothing in the formula changed. The packaging just doesn't list all inactive ingredients, things like binders, colorings, or flavorings.

Someone with an allergy to an artificial dye or a specific filler has NO way of knowing what they're ingesting if the label doesn't tell them. That's a real consumer safety issue, even if it's not a poisoning scare.

The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, defined as a situation where adverse health consequences are either temporary, medically reversible, or remote in probability, according to Yahoo News.

The affected lot numbers are KB5Y (expires 04/2028), MP4B (expires 05/2028), and SS4F (expires 09/2028). UPC: 3 00674 35041. If you've got a box, check it.

---

The Blood Pressure Drug Recall Is the Bigger Story

On May 12, the FDA reported that 17,304 bottles of metoprolol succinate — one of the most widely prescribed beta blockers in America — were recalled by Ascend Laboratories, a New Jersey-based distributor. The FDA updated the recall on May 20 to classify it as an "ongoing" Class II recall, according to The Healthy.

Metoprolol succinate accounts for nearly 60 million prescriptions annually, per data from ClinCalc.com cited by The Healthy. This drug slows your heart rate and relaxes blood vessels. The Cleveland Clinic explains it's a go-to treatment for high blood pressure, which affects nearly half of all American adults.

The recall reason: "Failed Dissolution Specifications."

Translation — the pill may NOT dissolve properly in your body. If it doesn't dissolve the way it's supposed to, you may NOT be getting the medication you think you're getting. For someone managing high blood pressure or a heart condition, that's a medication failure with real cardiac consequences.

The specific product: Metoprolol Succinate Extended-Release Tablets, 25 mg, 100-count, Lot Number 25140859, expiration date January 2027.

A separate blood pressure drug, enalapril maleate (an ACE inhibitor), was recalled earlier this month. 675 bottles were pulled for "failed impurities/degradation specifications," according to The Healthy. Two blood pressure drug recalls in one month.

---

What the Media Is Getting Wrong

Most outlets are leading with the Gas-X story because it's relatable. Everyone buys Gas-X. Big numbers — 285,000 packs — sound alarming.

But the Gas-X recall is a paperwork problem. Nobody is getting hurt from missing label information unless they have a specific allergy and happened to react.

The metoprolol recall — a drug that millions of heart patients depend on daily — is getting quieter coverage despite being a more direct threat to patient safety. A labeling gap is annoying. A pill that doesn't dissolve correctly could mean blood pressure spikes going uncontrolled in someone who doesn't know their medication isn't working.

The Epoch Times flagged the Gas-X story. The Healthy gave the metoprolol recall proper context. Neither story is getting the combined, side-by-side treatment it deserves.

---

What You Should Actually Do

If you have Gas-X softgels in a 120-count pack, check the lot number. If it matches KB5Y, MP4B, or SS4F, you have a recalled product. If you have allergies to food dyes or specific fillers, stop using it and contact Haleon. If you don't have those allergies, the direct risk is low — but returning recalled products is standard practice.

If you're taking metoprolol succinate 25 mg and your bottle shows lot number 25140859 with a January 2027 expiration, call your pharmacist TODAY. Do NOT just stop taking a heart medication without talking to a doctor first. But do verify your supply.

Patients who don't see the recall notices are the ones who fall through the cracks. Check your medicine cabinet.