Contaminated arthritis drug recalled, could endanger lives

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Contaminated arthritis drug recalled, could endanger lives

Friday, October 06, 2000

ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON - The drugmaker ESI Lederle announced yesterday that it is recalling 4.2 million capsules of the arthritis drug etodolac because they are contaminated with another drug that could cause life-threatening problems in some patients.

The manufacturer said the recall covers one lot - number 9991052 - of 300 milligram capsules of the drug used in arthritis and pain management. The capsules were distributed nationwide.

The company said the etodolac was contaminated during manufacture with the drug acebutolol hydrochloride, a type of drug known as a beta blocker that is used by patients with high blood pressure and certain heart problems.

This contamination may "in rare cases, cause serious or life-threatening side effects in patients with underlying heart conditions," the company said.

The etodolac is a white capsule. Capsules in the contaminated lot are marked in red with "300" on one end and "59911" over "3607" on the other end.

The company urged patients to stop taking these capsules and to contact their pharmacist or doctor. If the lot number cannot be determined, assume it is from that lot, said a company spokesman.

Patients can return the affected drugs to Lederle by calling 1-800-747-7016.

)2000 THE PLAIN DEALER. Used with permission.

http://www.cleveland.com/news/index.ssf?/news/pd/w06recal.html

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), October 06, 2000


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