Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol 90 mcg per actuation, 200 Metered Inhalations...
FDA Drug Recall #D-1666-2012 — Class II — July 26, 2012
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-1666-2012 |
| Classification | Class II — Moderate risk |
| Date Initiated | July 26, 2012 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | GlaxoSmithKline Inc |
| Location | Zebulon, NC |
| Product Type | Drugs |
| Quantity | 1,412,566 inhalers |
Product Description
Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol 90 mcg per actuation, 200 Metered Inhalations, FOR ORAL INHALATION ONLY - For use with Ventolin HFA actuator only. Net. wt. 18 g Rx only, GlaxoSmithKline, Reasearch Triangle Park, NC 27709 NDC 0173-0682-20
Reason for Recall
Does Not Deliver Proper Metered Dose: Potential content of albuterol per dose is below specification.
Distribution Pattern
Nationwide
Lot / Code Information
Lot 1ZP7355 Exp. 01/13, 1ZP7749 Exp. 01/13, 1ZP8141 Exp. 01/13, 1ZP8147 Exp. 01/13, 1ZP7729 Exp. 01/13, 1ZP0414 Exp. 03/13, 1ZP0464 Exp. 03/13, 1ZP0570 Exp. 03/13, 1ZP0576 Exp. 03/13, 1ZP0919 Exp. 03/13, 2ZP4959 Exp. 04/13, 2ZP4966 Exp. 04/13
Other Recalls from GlaxoSmithKline Inc
| Recall # | Classification | Product | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-1412-2012 | Class II | Trizivir (abacavir sulfate 300mg, lamivudine 15... | Jun 4, 2012 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop taking the medication and contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately. For Class I recalls, this is urgent. For Class II or III recalls, consult your doctor before stopping — abruptly discontinuing certain medications (blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, diabetes medications) can be more harmful than continuing while arranging a replacement. Check whether the recall applies to your specific lot number and expiration date. Return the product to your pharmacy and report any adverse effects to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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.