Generic Lipitor Warning: Manufacturer Halts Production of Drug

And now, we move onto a health ail lert about a popular drug and particles of glass found in the pills. 4 million americans rely on this generic version of the drug lipitor to control their... See More

And now, we move onto a health ail lert about a popular drug and particles of glass found in the pills. 4 million americans rely on this generic version of the drug lipitor to control their cholesterol. And tonight, the manufacturer of that drug has stopped production. Abc's david kerley tells us more. Reporter: The company that produces more than 1 in 3 generic lipitor pills taken in this country has shut down all production. The problem? Ranbaxy can't figure out how small glass particles have gotten into its generic pills. The contamination has not led to any patient problems. But consumers are being told to return their pills and get another brand. Generics are popular because of their price. Name brand lipitor costs $4.72 a pill. The ranbaxy pill, just $3.85. This is the latest manufacturing problem for r nba axy. Earlier this year, the u.S. Government forbid the company from importing 30 drugs from some of its facilities in india, because of bad record-keeping. Ranbaxy won't say where these pills are made. The fda says it can't comment whether ranbaxy violated the rules. The company has real difficulties with galty control, not just in one of a couple of its facilities, but in many facilities. Reporter: Though this is the largest maker of generic lipitor, there are others to make up for any shortages. David kerley, abc news, washington.