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Risperdal (risperidone) and Risperidone: Recall - Uncharacteristic Odor
AUDIENCE: Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Neurology, Internal Medicine
ISSUE: Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals notified healthcare professionals and the public of a recall of specific lots of Risperdal (risperidone) 3mg tablets and risperidone 2mg tablets. The recall stems from consumer reports of an uncharacteristic odor thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA (2,4,6 tribromoanisole). TBA is a byproduct of a chemical preservative sometimes applied to wood often used in the construction of pallets on which materials are transported and stored. While not considered to be toxic, TBA can generate an offensive odor and a small number of patients have reported temporary gastrointestinal symptoms.
BACKGROUND: The Risperdal lot 0GG904 - which includes approximately 16,000 bottles - was shipped between 8/27/2010 and 2/15/2011. The company believes there are approximately 1,600 bottles of Risperdal from this lot remaining in the marketplace. The risperidone lot OIG175 - which includes approximately 24,000 bottles - was shipped between 11/10/2010 and 1/01/2011. The company believes there are fewer than 1,200 bottles of risperidone from this lot remaining in the marketplace. Risperdal (risperidone) is used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents ages 13-17 years, alone or in combination with other medicines (valproate or lithium) in adults for the short-term treatment of bipolar mania; or alone in adults, children and adolescents ages 10-17 years for the short-term treatment of bipolar mania and is used for the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder in children and adolescents ages 5-16 years.
RECOMMENDATION: Patients should not stop taking their medication. Anyone experiencing an uncharacteristic odor associated with Risperdal 3mg Tablets or risperidone 2mg Tablets should return the tablets to their pharmacist, and contact their healthcare professional if they have questions.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the Press Release, at:
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