Femtrace 0.9 mg (Estradiol Acetate) Tablets, Rx Only, 100 tablets, Manufactured by Pharmaceutics ...

FDA Drug Recall #D-141-12013 — Class III — December 21, 2012

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-141-12013
Classification Class III — Low risk
Date Initiated December 21, 2012
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Warner Chilcott Company LLC
Location Fajardo, PR
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 5439 bottles

Product Description

Femtrace 0.9 mg (Estradiol Acetate) Tablets, Rx Only, 100 tablets, Manufactured by Pharmaceutics International Inc, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 for Warner Chilcott Company LLC, Fajardo, PR 00738

Reason for Recall

Failed Impurity/Degradation Specifications due to moisture ingress in individual bottles

Distribution Pattern

US Nationwide

Lot / Code Information

0.9 mg: 512348A

Other Recalls from Warner Chilcott Company LLC

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-305-2013 Class III Femhrt (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estra... Feb 15, 2013
D-303-2013 Class III Femhrt (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estra... Feb 15, 2013
D-304-2013 Class III Jevantique (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl e... Feb 15, 2013
D-142-2013 Class III Femtrace 0.45 mg (Estradiol Acetate) Tablets, R... Dec 21, 2012

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitrosamines are probable human carcinogens — they can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure above certain thresholds, but they do not cause immediate harm from taking a single dose. The FDA calculates an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for each nitrosamine compound, and recalls are triggered when levels exceed this threshold. If you have been taking a recalled product, the FDA generally advises against abruptly stopping your medication (especially for critical conditions like blood pressure or diabetes) until you consult your doctor. The incremental cancer risk from short-term exposure is very small.

Not necessarily. Many drug recalls are initiated because of quality system failures or test results that suggest a product might not meet specifications — even if no patients have reported harm. The FDA uses a precautionary approach: if there is reason to believe quality standards were not met, a recall is required regardless of whether adverse effects have been reported. Class I recalls typically involve a reasonable probability of harm; Class II recalls may cause temporary health issues; Class III recalls are for products unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but that still violate regulations.

Pharmacies typically receive recall notices directly from drug wholesalers and manufacturers within days of the recall being announced. Your pharmacist can look up whether any product in your prescription history matches a recalled lot number. For current recalls, the FDA publishes updates at FDA.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts and sends MedWatch email alerts for significant drug safety issues. You can sign up for MedWatch alerts at FDA.gov. Most major pharmacy chains also have their own recall notification systems that automatically alert pharmacists when a recalled product is in their inventory.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this medication if affected by this recall. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor immediately for guidance. Do not flush medications — use a drug take-back program.