Tylenol batch recalled over odor and gastrointestinal issues

According to multiple reports including a Wall Street Journal briefing, Johnson & Johnson has recalled nearly 60,000 bottles of the pain killers. The recall centers on Tylenol extra strength and cites an odor problem as the main issue for the recall. Representatives claim there has been a string of recent complaints identifying a distinct odor smell with their Tylenol bottles and pills.

The extra strength pills in question are those which were developed and distributed in February 2009 within the United States. According to the Wall Street Journal report, the 60,000 or so bottles of Tylenol Extra Strength carry about 225 individual caplets a piece.

Tylenol is developed under a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, known as McNeil. Representatives from McNeil claim that the musty and moldy odor is tied to amounts of 2, 4, 6 tribromoanisole (TBA). The chemical is said to be a byproduct of another material that is often applied to the wooden pallets that are used during the transportation and storage processes for Johnson & Johnson. According to WebMD, this compound has been known to relate to some transient gastrointestinal issues. Even though these gastrointestinal symptoms are likely to be temporary, they are not to be taken lightly.  

This marks the 24^th recall within the past calendar year. The company has also had to issue recalls for other over the counter drugs, prescription medicine, hip replacements, and contacts. Among the major names involved in recalls with Johnson & Johnson are both Tylenol and Motrin.

In March, McNeil issued a recall for about 34,000 bottles of Tylenol Extended Release caplets for a similar foul odor. Then in April, the same division of Johnson & Johnson released another recall of about 57,000 bottles of Topamax, citing another musty odor as the reason. The odor has also been the source of recalls involving antipsychotic drug known as Risperdal and the HIV drug called prezista.

U.S. health administrators have promised to keep a close eye on the manufacturing plants of Johnson & Johnson ever since the odor has become a recurring issue. All together, the plants have produced nearly 300 million bottles of recalled medicines and that’s just for over the counter drugs.

Customers are advised to quit taking the Tylenol products in question and contact manufacturers. Matching product numbers are available on the side of the bottle; the recently recalled lot has a number of ABA619.  

References:

Hendrick, Bill. (June 29, 2011). “New Tylenol Recall Due to Musty Odor.” Retrieved on July 7, 2011 from WebMD

Hobson, Katherine. (June 28, 2011). “J&J Recall Watch: Extra Strength Tylenol Pulled Due to Smell.” Retrieved on July 7, 2011 from the Wall Street Journal