AUGUST 2001

 

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 4

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: ECO DENT ULTIMATE NATURAL DAILY RINSE, Tangy Orange-Clove,labeled in part,"ECO-DENT***PREMIUM ORAL CARE PRODUCTS***Tangy Orange-Clove Ultimate Essential MouthCare Natural Daily Rinse***Mer- flu-an*** 8 fl. oz/237 ml** CODE: Lots 9431, 0002, 0376. 

REASON: BACTERIA CONTAMINATION; Pseudomonas alcaligenes & Pseudomonas baleurica

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: TRUETT LABORATORIES, INC., CA

DISTRIBUTION: AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, IA, IN, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, TX, VT, WI AND INTERNATIONALLY TO CANADA AND AUSTRALIA

QUANTITY: 14,209 8 oz bottles

 

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 11

 

FDA today announced that Bayer Pharmaceutical Division is voluntarily withdrawing Baycol (cerivastatin) from the U.S. market because of reports of sometimes fatal rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle adverse reaction from this cholesterol-lowering (lipid-lowering) product. The FDA agrees with and supports this decision.

 

Baycol (cerivastatin), which was initially approved in the U.S. in 1997, is a member of a class of cholesterol lowering drugs that are commonly referred to as "statins." Statins lower cholesterol levels by blocking a specific enzyme in the body that is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol. While all statins have been associated with very rare reports of rhabdomyolysis, cases of fatal rhabdomyolysis in association with the use of Baycol have been reported significantly more frequently than for other approved statins.

Fatal rhabdomyolysis reports with Baycol have been reported most frequently when used at higher doses, when used in elderly patients, and particularly, when used in combination with gemfibrozil (LOPID and generics), another lipid lowering drug. FDA has received reports of 31 U.S. deaths due to severe rhabdomyolysis associated with use of Baycol, 12 of which involved concomitant gemfibrozil use.

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that results in muscle cell breakdown and release of the contents of muscle cells into the bloodstream. Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include muscle pain, weakness, tenderness, malaise, fever, dark urine, nausea, and vomiting. The pain may involve specific groups of muscles or may be generalized throughout the body.

 

Most frequently the involved muscle groups are the calves and lower back; however, some patients report no symptoms of muscle injury. In rare cases the muscle injury is so severe that patients develop renal failure and other organ failure, which can be fatal.

Bayer Pharmaceutical Division has announced plans to recall Baycol to the pharmacy level. Pharmacies will be instructed to return the product to the manufacturer for a refund. Patients who are taking Baycol should consult with their physicians about switching to alternate medications to control their cholesterol levels. Patients taking Baycol who are experiencing muscle pain or are also taking gemfibrozil should discontinue Baycol immediately and consult their physician.

 

There are five other statins available in the U.S. that may be considered as alternatives to Baycol. They are: lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), fluvastatin (Lescol), and atorvastatin (Lipitor).

For further information regarding the withdrawal of Baycol, patients and physicians can contact Bayer Customer Service 1-800-758-9794 or the FDA's Drug Information Office at 301-827-4573 or 1-888-INFO-FDA, or go to "Baycol Information" on FDA's Website.

 

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 18

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: Chloroquine Phosphate Bulk Powder, for compounding,in bottles labeled as containing 5, 25, 100, or 500 grams per bottle.  The bottles are also labeled as packaged by Universal Chemical, St. Peter, MN Code:  Lot UC99020502, Packaged 02/99, CAS 50-63-5

REASON: MIX-UP; BOTTLES LABELED TO CONTAIN CHLOROQUINE PHOSPHATE POWDER WERE FOUND TO CONTAIN CLONIDINE , AN ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE DRUG

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: China North Industries Nanjing Corporation, Nanjing, China,

RECALLED BY: Hawkins Chemical, Inc., Minneapolis, MN

DISTRIBUTION: AZ, CA, FL, LA, MN, OR, SC, TN, UT

QUANTITY: The following numbers of bottles of chloroquine phosphate, having lot number UC99020502, were shipped: four 5-gram bottles; twenty 25-gram bottles; twenty 100-gram bottles; and five 500-gram bottles.

 

Perrigo Company today announced that, in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is conducting a recall of 7,788 four-ounce bottles of cherry-flavored pain reliever suspension liquid with Lot Number 1AD0228.

 

Perrigo determined that this lot may contain an excess of up to 29 percent over the labeled amount of acetaminophen. The product is being recalled because overdoses of acetaminophen can lead to severe health problems including liver toxicity and liver failure.

The product, which is used to treat headaches and fevers in children, was sold under the Good Sense® label at various small independent retail chains across the country, under the Hy-Vee® label at Hy-Vee stores in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota and under the Kroger® label at Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

 

Perrigo immediately notified the FDA as well as the retailers and wholesale distributors of this product. No consumer complaints have been reported. Of the 7,788 bottles affected in this recall, Perrigo estimates that approximately 6,500 were purchased by consumers. The rest have been removed from retailers’ shelves and inventory.

 

Consumers who purchased bottles with Lot Number 1AD0228, which is printed on each bottle’s label and carton, are urged to discontinue use of the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Perrigo at 1-800-321-0105.

 

WEEK ENDING AUGUST 25

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: Nutrapin AQ [somatropin (rDNA origin) injection] 5mg/ml (2ml/vial), 10 mg per vial.

CODE: Lot L9504A3 Exp. Dec 2001 Lot L9504A2 Exp. Apr 2002

REASON: Counterfeit

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: Unknown

RECALLED BY: Mediq, Pennsauken, NJ

DISTRIBUTION: CA and GA

QUANTITY: 195 cases x 6 unit vials per carton = 1170 unit vials

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: 1. Regular strength liquid antacid packaged in 1-gal. jugs and 12-fl. oz. bottles, each 5-ml. tsp. contains 200-mg. aluminum hydroxide (equiv. to dried gel, USP), 200-mg. magnesium hydroxide, and 20-mg. simethicone. Product is packaged and distributed in the 12-fl. oz. size under the following labels and sizes:

a.  York Antacid Liquid with Simethicone Antacid - Anti-Gas Original Flavor, 1-gal. container, Lot 0006052.  The responsible firm on the label shows the product is manufactured by York Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Kansas City, KS.

b.  ShurFine Fast Acting Antacid Anti-Gas Original, 12-fl. oz. bottles, Lot 0003018.  Distributed by Shurfine International, Inc., Northlake, IL.

c.  Dollar General Regular Strength Fast Acting Antacid Liquid Antigas/Antacid Original, 12-fl. oz. bottles, Lot 0006052.  Distributed

By Dolgencorp, Inc., Scottsville, KY.

d.  Smart Choice Liquid Antacid Plus Simethicone, 12-fl. oz. bottles, Lot 0006052.  Distributed by National Distribution Network, Merrick, NY.

2. Maximum strength liquid antacid packaged in 1-gal. jugs and 12-fl. oz. bottles, each 5-ml. tsp. contains 400-mg. aluminum hydroxide

(equiv. to dried gel, USP), 400-mg. magnesium hydroxide, and 40-mg. simethicone, indicated for use in heartburn, acid indigestion, sour

stomach, associated symptoms of gas and upset stomach, overindulgence in food and drink.

a.  York Extra Strength Antacid Suspension with Simethicone Antacid - Anti-Gas Original Flavor, 1-gal. jug, Lot 0006092. Manufactured by York Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Kansas City, KS.

b.  Rite Aid Fast Acting Antacid & Anti-gas Maximum Strength Original, 12-fl. oz. bottles, Lot 0003048. Distributed by Rite Aid

Corporation, Harrisburg, PA.

c.  Select Brand Maximum Strength Fast Acting Antacid Anti-Gas Original, 12-fl. oz. bottles, Lot 0006092.  Distributed by Select Brand

Distributing, Pine Bluff, AR.

d.  Discount Drug Mart Food Fair Maximum Strength Fast Acting Antacid Liquid Original Flavor, 12-fl. oz. bottles, Lot 0006092. Distributed by Drug Mart-Food Fair, Medina, OH.

CODE:    Lot 0003018, exp. 3/02

                Lot 0003048, exp. 3/02

                Lot 0006052, exp. 6/02

                Lot 0006092, exp. 6/02

REASON: TOTAL AEROBIC MICROBIAL COUNT FAILURES AND LACK OF PRESERVATIVE EFFECTIVENESS TESTING

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: York Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Kansas City, KS

DISTRIBUTION: OK, MS, MO, MD, CA, OR, AR, ND, NY, and OH

QUANTITY: The following approx. amounts were dist: Lot 0003018 - 965/12/12-fl. oz. btl cs; Lot 0003048 - 260/12/12-fl. oz. btl cs; lot 0006052 -

1,826/12/12-fl. oz. btl cs and 135/4/1-gal. jug cs; lot 0006092 - 502/12/12-fl. oz. btl cs and 132/4/1-gal jug cs

 

RECALL NUMBER, PRODUCT AND CODE: 1) ALUPENT (metaproterenol sulfate USP) Inhalation Solution, 0.4% (10mg/vial)

2) ALUPENT (metaproterenol sulfate USP) Inhalation Solution, 0.6% (15mg/vial); The manufacturer's brand name product is packaged in 25

X 2.5 ml Unit-Dose Vials, under the Boegringer Ingelheim label,

3) D-286-1, METAPROTERENOL Sulfate Inhalation Solution USP, 0.6% (15mg/vial); The generic brand name product is packaged in 25 X 2.5

ml Unit-Dose Vials, under the Roxane Laboratories label

CODE: ALUPENT 0.4%: 

Lot Number     Exp Date

057144           Jul-02

780508           May-02

780507           Apr-02

780506           Mar-02

780505           Feb-02

780503           Dec-01

780502           Oct-01

ALUPENT 0.6%: 

Lot Number     Exp Date

690552           Nov-02

690551           Aug-02

699554           Oct-01

METAPROTERENOL SULFATE USP 0.6%: 

Lot Number     Exp Date

992862             Oct-01

REASON:

LACK OF ASSURANCE OF STERILITY (CGMP DEVIATIONS)

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: ROXANE LABORATORIES, INC., Columbus, OH.  This firm is part of the Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation

DISTRIBUTION: OH, KY, AZ, CA, MA, MO, OR, FL, MA, NJ, MN, PA, AL, TX, CO, CT, ID, IL, LA, MS, NY, NC, SC, TN, UT, VA, WA, AK, WI, HI, and NM.

QUANTITY: 26,506 boxes / 25 vials each

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: Diflucan Tablets, 100 mg (Fluconazole Tablets), 30 Tablets

CODE: Lot 04P016A, Exp 11/02

REASON: COUNTERFEIT

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: Unknown

RECALLED BY: Rebel Distributors Corp., Westlake Village, CA

DISTRIBUTION: CA

QUANTITY: 7 bottles

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: (Rx) Dynabac tablets, delayed release (Dirithromycin) 250 mg, 10 and 60 count, eight various lots

REASON: Related substance test failure at stability (12 Month)

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN

DISTRIBUTION: Nationwide

QUANTITY: 52,060 ñ60ís  137,832-10ís

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: White with Blue Specks. The product is sold in 100 count and 500 count bottles. The label states that the product is manufactured for: Pittsburgh Pill Emporium, Pittsburgh, PA or Casey's Distributors, Williamsport, PA. The Casey labeled product is only for the 100 count size. The Pittsburgh Pill labeled product is for both the 100 and 500 count sizes. CODE: Lot #6076 exp. 2/02

REASON: STABILITY: THERE IS NO DATA TO SUPPORT LABELED EXPIRY DATE

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: Nittany Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milroy, PA

DISTRIBUTION: PA

QUANTITY: 142 bottles

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: Yellow Rockets Tablets, 200 mg Caffeine. The product is sold in 100 count, 250 count, and 500 count bottles.  CODE: Lot 10293 exp. 2/03

REASON: STABILITY: THERE IS NO DATA TO SUPPORT LABELED EXPIRY DATE

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: Nittany Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milroy, PA

DISTRIBUTION: IA

QUANTITY: 1083 bottles

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: Perphenazine Tablets,USP, 2mg, 4mg, 8mg, and 16mg Strengths, packaged in 100 and 500 bottles.

Perphenazine Tablets,USP, 2mg

Perphenazine Tablets,USP, 4 mg

Perphenazine Tablets,USP, 8 mg

Perphenazine Tablets,USP, 16 mg

CODE: Perphenazine Tablets, 2 mg, 4 mg, 8mg, and 16mg strengths:

Lot Numbers: 2mg: 3667-103; 3667-105; 3667-106; 3667-107; 3667-108, 3667-109

4mg: 3668-153; 3668-154; 3668-155; 3668-156; 3668-157; 3668-158; 3668-159; 3668-160; 3668-161

8mg: 3669-232; 3669-233; 3669-234; 3669-235; 3669-236; 3669-237; 3669-238; 3669-239; 3669-240; 3669-241; 3669-242; 3669-243; 3669-244; 3669-

245; 3669-246; 3669-247

16mg: 3670-081; 3670-082; 3670-083; 3670-084

REASON: TABLET DISCOLORATION

MANUFACTURER/RECALLING FIRM: Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals, Northvale, NJ

DISTRIBUTION: Nationwide

QUANTITY: 2mg=12,000,000 tablets; 4mg=18,000,000 tablets, 8mg=16,000,000 tablets, 16mg=4,000,000 tablets

 

PRODUCT AND CODE: Cortizone 10 Plus (1% hydrocortisone) CrËme, 1 and 2 ounce tubes

CODE: 3 lots involved:

    2 oz --- 2400453, exp. 7/2002

    1 oz --- 2400452, exp. 7/2002

    1 oz --- 2400470, exp. 7/2002

REASON: CONTAMINATION: PRODUCT IS CROSS-CONTAMINATED WITH THE FIRMíS BEN-GAY PRODUCT (METHYL SALICYLATE, MENTHOL, AND CAMPHOR)

MANUFACTURER: PFIZER, INC., PARSIPPANY, NJ

RECALLED BY: Warner Lambert Consumer Health Care/Pfizer, Inc., Morris Plains, NJ

DISTRIBUTION: Nationwide

QUANTITY: 441,336 tubes