Nicotine polacrilex lozenge, 2 mg, Original Flavor, 72 count cartons, 81 count cartons, and 108 c...

FDA Drug Recall #D-1241-2014 — Class III — February 20, 2014

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-1241-2014
Classification Class III — Low risk
Date Initiated February 20, 2014
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare; dba-GlaxoSmithKline
Location Aiken, SC
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 488,628 72 Ct Vial, 255,594 108 Ct Vial

Product Description

Nicotine polacrilex lozenge, 2 mg, Original Flavor, 72 count cartons, 81 count cartons, and 108 count cartons. OTC. Labeled a. Nicorette, Distributed By: GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, L.P., Moon Township, PA 15108. Made in Switzerland. 72 Count NDC: 0135-0510-01,108 Count NDC: 0135-0514-03, b. Nicotine Lozenge Kroger, Lozenge Kroger, Distributed by: The Kroger Company, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, 72 Count NDC: 30142-861-01. c. Nicotine Walgreens, Distributed by: Walgreen Co., 200 Wilmot Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015. 108 Count NDC: 0363-0208-07.

Reason for Recall

Failed Lozenge Specifications; Lozenges are overly thick, overly soft, and sub and superpotent.

Distribution Pattern

U.S. Nationwide

Lot / Code Information

Labeled A) 72 Count Vial, Lot # 13404 (exp 4/14),13499 (exp 5/14), 13549 (exp 6/14), 14004 (exp 1/15), 14079 (exp 2/15), 14178 (exp 5/15), 14297 (exp 7/15) & 14425 (exp 9/15); 108 Ct Vial: Lot # 13449 (exp 5/14), 13657 (exp 8/14), 13723 (exp 8/14), 13781 (exp 11/14), 13867 (exp 11/14), 13897 (exp 12/14), 13960 (exp 1/15), 13981 (exp 12/14), 14016 (exp 2/15), 14254 (exp 7/15), 14305 (exp 7/15), 14341 (exp 7/15), 14370 (exp 8/15) & 14465 (exp 11/15). Labeled B) 72 Count Vial, Lot #13417 (exp 5/14), 13570 (exp 6/14), 13974 (exp 1/15), 14089 (exp 2/15), 14225 (exp 5/15), 14269 (exp 7/15), 14311 (exp 7/15) & 14396 (exp 8/15).Labeled C) 108 Ct Vial: Lot #:13656 (exp 8/14), 13753 (exp 9/14).

Other Recalls from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare; ...

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-1247-2014 Class III Nicorette Lozenge and NicoDerm CQ, nicotine pol... Feb 20, 2014
D-1244-2014 Class III Nicorette Lozenge, Nicoderm CQ, and Nicorette ... Feb 20, 2014
D-1246-2014 Class III Nicorette (nicotine polacrilex) Lozenges Mini, ... Feb 20, 2014
D-1238-2014 Class III Nicotine polacrilex lozenge, 2 mg, Cherry Flavo... Feb 20, 2014
D-1240-2014 Class III Nicotine polacrilex lozenge, 4 mg, Original Fla... Feb 20, 2014

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.