All Alka-Seltzer Plus¿ packages with a full front panel instant Redeemable Coupon (IRC) affixed t...

FDA Drug Recall #D-0697-2018 — Class I — March 15, 2018

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-0697-2018
Classification Class I — Serious risk
Date Initiated March 15, 2018
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Location Whippany, NJ
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 188,631 units

Product Description

All Alka-Seltzer Plus¿ packages with a full front panel instant Redeemable Coupon (IRC) affixed to the individual carton. The recalled products can be identified by checking the Bayer logo located on the lower left corner of the front of the carton. If the logo has an orange or green background, the product is included in the recall.

Reason for Recall

Labeling: Label Mix-Up: Bayer is recalling all Alka-Seltzer Plus packages, with a green or orange Bayer logo located on the lower left corner of the front of the carton, because the ingredients on the front sticker may not match the actual product in the carton.

Distribution Pattern

Nationwide in the USA

Lot / Code Information

The recalled products can be identified by checking the Bayer logo located on the lower left corner of the front of the carton. If the logo has an orange or green background, the product is included in the recall

Other Recalls from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-0590-2018 Class II Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Spray (avobenzone 3%,... Feb 23, 2018
D-0135-2018 Class III Bayer Chewable Low Dose Aspirin 81 mg Orange Fl... Nov 10, 2017
D-1044-2017 Class II Alka-Seltzer Original ( 325 mg Aspirin (NSAID),... Mar 30, 2017
D-1051-2017 Class II Alka-Seltzer Gold (1000 mg Anhydrous citric ac... Mar 30, 2017
D-1050-2017 Class II Alka-Seltzer Extra Strength (500 mg Aspirin (NS... Mar 30, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop using the medication immediately and contact your pharmacist. A mislabeling recall can range from a minor technical error (wrong font size) to a serious mix-up where one drug is inside another drug's packaging. If you received a medication that looks or acts differently than expected, or if you experienced unexpected effects, tell your doctor immediately. The pharmacist can verify whether your specific lot is affected and provide a replacement. Report any adverse effects experienced 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.