Request Legal Help Now - Free

Advertisement
LAWSUITS NEWS & LEGAL INFORMATION

FDA Warns about Serious Side Effects from Maalox Product Mix-Ups

. By
Washington, DCThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers about the potential for serious side effects from mistakenly using Maalox Total Relief instead of other Maalox products.

According to media reports, the warning results from five reports of serious medication errors involving consumers who used Maalox Total Relief, the upset stomach reliever and anti-diarrheal medication, by mistake, when they had intended to use one of the traditional Maalox liquid antacid products.

The FDA warning states: "Maalox Total Relief is an upset stomach reliever and anti-diarrheal medication, while traditional Maalox liquid products Maalox Advanced Regular Strength and Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength are antacids.

Both Maalox Total Relief and Maalox are made by Novartis Consumer Health Inc. (NCH) and are available without a prescription as over-the-counter liquid medications. The maker of Maalox brand products has agreed to change the name of Maalox Total Relief to one that does not include the word "Maalox" and will change the drug's packaging to avoid further confusion.

Maalox Total Relief's active ingredient (bismuth subsalicylate) is chemically related to aspirin and may cause similar harmful side effects such as bleeding. As such, Maalox Total Relief is not appropriate for individuals with a history of gastrointestinal ulcer disease or a bleeding disorder.

Maalox Total Relief also should not be taken by children and teens if they are recovering from a viral infection, nor by individuals who are taking certain medications including: oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), anticoagulation (thinning the blood) drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) and clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and other anti-inflammatory drugs.

The renamed product is expected to begin selling in September 2010."

READ MORE ABOUT Drugs/Medical

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse health event resulting from taking any of these medications, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.

ADD YOUR COMMENT ON THIS STORY

Please read our comment guidelines before posting.


Note: Your name will be published with your comment.


Your email will only be used if a response is needed.

Are you the defendant or a subject matter expert on this topic with an opposing viewpoint? We'd love to hear your comments here as well, or if you'd like to contact us for an interview please submit your details here.


Click to learn more about LawyersandSettlements.com

Request Legal Help Now! - Free