Theraflu Cold and Flu (acetaminophen 325 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg and pheniramine ma...
FDA Drug Recall #D-763-2014 — Class II — June 18, 2013
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-763-2014 |
| Classification | Class II — Moderate risk |
| Date Initiated | June 18, 2013 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Novartis Consumer Health |
| Location | Lincoln, NE |
| Product Type | Drugs |
Product Description
Theraflu Cold and Flu (acetaminophen 325 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg and pheniramine maleate 20 mg) powder packets, Forest Berries flavor, 10-count packets per box, UPC 4 607045 191760. (Russian product and Former Soviet Union product)
Reason for Recall
Presence of Foreign Substance: The products are being recalled because they may contain foreign substances.
Distribution Pattern
Nationwide, Mexico, Russia, Korea, Panama, China, and Canada.
Lot / Code Information
Lot #: Russia product: 10117513,10117515, 10117517, 10117520, 10118676, 10118680, Exp 6/30/2013 and Former Soviet Union product: 10116986, 10116988, Exp 8/31/2013.
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
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.