Grifulvin V®/Griseofulvin Oral Suspension Recalled Due to Glass Pieces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- RARITAN, NJ, April 10, 2007 – Glass bottles of griseofulvin oral suspension (liquid) [GRIFULVIN V®], microsize 125 mg/5mL, a prescription medicine used to treat ringworm and other fungal infections, are being voluntarily recalled as a precaution from wholesalers and retail pharmacies nationwide. The voluntary recall is a precaution based on two reports of glass fragments found in bottles of the liquid formulation. Consumers who believe they are in possession of recalled product should contact the pharmacy where the medicine was purchased.

The voluntary recall is being conducted by Ortho Dermatological, Division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., manufacturer of GRIFULVIN V® and griseofulvin oral suspension, which has a Patriot Pharmaceuticals, L.L.C., label. This voluntary recall is limited to the liquid formulation of the medication and does not include any other dosage form.

The two reports of glass fragments are believed to be the result of bottle breakage during shipping and handling. A plastic over-wrap placed on bottles of this medicine for protection might have made it difficult to detect breakage that occurred during shipping and handling, and action is being taken to change the over-wrap to prevent this possible occurrence in the future. In the unlikely event that a damaged bottle has been dispensed, a potential exists for injury due to accidental ingestion of glass fragments. There have been no reports of adverse events from the reported glass fragments in broken bottles.

The lots were shipped to distributors in the United States only between August 23, 2005 and March 14, 2007. Lot numbers are listed at the end of this press advisory and posted on www.aboutgrifulvin.com. Lot numbers can be found on the back of the product label only on four-ounce (120 mL) glass bottles filled by the manufacturer. Consumers with pharmacy-dispensed bottles, which were filled at the pharmacy and do not contain lot numbers, should contact the pharmacy where they purchased the medicine to determine if they are in possession of product that has been recalled.

In addition to contacting the pharmacy where the medicine was purchased, consumers who believe they are in possession of recalled bottles of GRIFULVIN V® griseofulvin oral suspension (liquid) may also call 1-800-426-7762. Consumers who believe they are in possession of affected product from Patriot Pharmaceuticals, LLC, griseofulvin oral suspension (liquid), may call 1-800-510-0383. Consumers should direct medical questions to their health care providers. Adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product should be reported to the company using the telephone numbers above.

The company is voluntarily conducting this recall in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sending urgent recall letters to wholesalers and pharmacies nationwide. In addition, the company is taking action to supply new inventory to its customers.

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