Qualitest Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets 10 mg/500 mg: Recall - Potential for Oversized Tablets

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Health Professional

ISSUE: Qualitest, a subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions, issued a voluntary nationwide recall for 101 lots of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg. Bottles from the affected lots may contain tablets that have a higher dosage of acetaminophen, and as a result, it is possible that consumers could take more than the intended acetaminophen dose.

Unintentional administration of tablets with increased acetaminophen content could result in liver toxicity, especially in patients on other acetaminophen containing medications, patients with liver dysfunction, or people who consume more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day.

Taking a higher dose of hydrocodone than intended could result in an increase in the severity or frequency of side effects, such as sedation or respiratory depression, particularly in patients who are elderly, have severe kidney or liver impairment, or are also taking interacting medications, for example other sedating medications or certain antidepressants.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen 10mg/500 mg tablets are indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

The affected lots, were distributed between Feb. 20, 2012 and Nov. 19, 2012 to wholesale distributors and retail pharmacies nationwide.

See Press Release for a list of affected lot numbers.

RECOMMENDATION: Consumers who have the affected lots should contact Qualitest at 1-800-444-4011. Consumers who are unsure if they have the affected lot numbers or have any concerns about their product should consult their pharmacy or health care professional.

Pharmacists and wholesalers are asked to check their inventories for the affected lots, segregate any material from the lots, and to contact MedTurn at 1-800-967-5952 for instructions on product return. Pharmacies that received the affected lots will receive a copy of this press release with their recall notification information to be prominently posted in the pharmacy area.

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 saferty alert, including a link to the Press Release, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm331224.htm