Packaging Mix-Up Forces Recall Of Over-The-Counter Medications
January 9, 2012
A major mix-up at a Novartis pill manufacturing plant in Lincoln, Nebraska, has prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the company to issue a recall for certain over-the-counter medications. According to an article by WAVY-TV 10 News, reports of manufacturing problems have resulted in the discovery of a packaging mix-up between dangerous–and potentially deadly–opioid painkillers and common over-the-counter painkillers.
Numerous complaints were filed against the company in response to broken and chipped pills found in medications being produced at the facility. These discoveries prompted further investigation that uncovered painkillers such as Percocet, Endocet, Opana and Zydone in bottles of Excedrin and Gas-X.
A subsequent shutdown of the plant followed, and regulators are now anticipating a shortage of medications that are produced by the plant.
The plant was cited for similar problems earlier this summer after it was discovered that the company did nothing to follow-up with consumer complaints that had built up for more than two years regarding similar problems. More than 223 complaints were never examined during that two-year time period.
The Virginia drug injury lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley urge you to examine any over-the counter medications in your home. Compare the picture on the bottle with the medication inside to ensure they are the same. If there are any discrepancies, consult your doctor and/or pharmacist immediately.
