PFIZER EXPANDS RECALL OF LIPITOR, THE BEST SELLING PRESCRIPTION DRUG IN THE WORLD
Pfizer, Inc. has issued the third of a string of recalls for Lipitor. As with the first and second recalls of the common cholesterol reducing drug, the instant recall is due to reports of an unpleasant odor related to the bottles in which the drug is packaged. The company has identified the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, commonly used to treat wood pallets used to store and ship bottles, as the cause of the odor. It is the same chemical which Pfizer’s competitor, Johnson & Johnson, attributed its recalls to earlier this year.
The instant recall affects 38,000 bottles containing 40mg tablets, bringing the total of recalled bottles of Lipitor to an estimated 360,000.
Although the company claims that the chemical is not likely to cause adverse health consequences, the astounding number of recalls, including those related to household names, Tylenol and Benadryl, should make consumers more aware of the potential harms of these commonly prescribed and over the counter drugs. It is unclear if additional recalls will be issued, but in the meantime, be cautious of any foul odors or unusual qualities in any drug you take.
