Theraflu Nighttime Warming Relief Nighttime Multi-Symptom Cold, Acetaminophen 325mg , Chlorphenir...

FDA Drug Recall #D-743-2014 — Class III — May 15, 2013

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-743-2014
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 3,768/8-caplet packages and 300,580/24-caplet packages

Product Description

Theraflu Nighttime Warming Relief Nighttime Multi-Symptom Cold, Acetaminophen 325mg , Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2mg , Dextromethorphan HBr 10mg , Phenylephrine HCL 5mg, a) 8 coated caplets (NDC 0067-6437-08) b) 24 coated caplets (NDC 0067-6438-24). Distributed by: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc., Parsippany, NJ. 07054-0622.

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

a) 08 caplets: Lot# 10121222 exp 07/13. b) 24 caplets: Lot# 10117231 exp 06/13 Lot# 10117814 exp 06/13 Lot# 10119341 exp 07/13 Lot# 10123425 exp 08/13 Lot# 10124156 exp 10/13

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.