Maximum Strength Comtrex Nighttime Cold & Cough, Acetaminophen 325mg ,Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2m...
FDA Drug Recall #D-739-2014 — Class III — May 15, 2013
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-739-2014 |
| Classification | Class III — Low risk |
| Date Initiated | May 15, 2013 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Novartis Consumer Health |
| Location | Lincoln, NE |
| Product Type | Drugs |
| Quantity | 32,256/24-caplet packages |
Product Description
Maximum Strength Comtrex Nighttime Cold & Cough, Acetaminophen 325mg ,Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2mg, Dextromethorphan HBR 10mg,Phenylephrine HCL 5mg, packaged in 24 coated caplets nighttime formula *includes antihistamine, Distributed by: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., Parsippany, NJ 075054-0622, NDC 0067-2081-24.
Reason for Recall
Failed Impurities/Degradation:Specifications:Unknown degradant found during stability testing.
Distribution Pattern
Distribution was made nationwide and foriegn distribution was made--Mexicio, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela.
Lot / Code Information
Lot # 10119267 exp 07/13 Lot # 10123857 exp 07/13 Lot # 10123888 exp 09/13
Other Recalls from Novartis Consumer Health
| Recall # | Classification | Product | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-022-2014 | Class III | Loratadine, USP 10 mg, Antihistamine, packaged ... | Sep 3, 2013 |
| D-909-2013 | Class III | Maalox Nighttime Antacid with Acid Reflux Barri... | Aug 6, 2013 |
| D-910-2013 | Class III | Maalox Nighttime Antacid with Acid Reflux Barri... | Aug 6, 2013 |
| D-907-2013 | Class III | Maalox, Regular Strength Antacid (calcium carbo... | Aug 6, 2013 |
| D-902-2013 | Class III | Maalox Extra Strength Antacid with Anti-Gas (ca... | Aug 6, 2013 |
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.