Novartis Pulls Cold Syrups

Novartis Pulls Cold Syrups Over Faulty Caps
By Cole Petrochko, Staff Writer, MedPage Today

Published: February 01, 2013


The manufacturer of two over-the-counter cold remedies has recalled nearly 200 lots of the products due to a potentially malfunctioning childproof cap.

Novartis Consumer Health has pulled a combined 187 lots of Triaminic and Theraflu Warming Relief syrups due to nonfunctional child-resistant caps being placed on the affected products.

Novartis issued the recall following four adverse event reports related to the malfunction with Triaminic syrups, but the company said in a statement that it has received no reports related to Theraflu products. The investigation into the defective products was initiated in November 2012 following a consumer complaint.

The affected products are still safe and effective when used as directed, the company said. A full list of affected products and lot numbers is available on the Novartis OTC website.

Products affected by the recall were produced in a facility in Lincoln, Neb., which suspended its operations in December 2011. A number of opioid drug products and over-the-counter drugs from the Novartis Lincoln facility were recalled in January 2012 due to packaging mix-ups.

The company recommended that consumers who may have purchased affected products contact Novartis to confirm the product is included in the recall and to receive instructions on how to return or dispose of the syrup. Retailers with remaining lots of the recalled cold products should stop distribution, quarantine product, and return the affected units.