Massive children’s medicine recall over risk of overdose

Perrigo Company said on Monday that they’re recalling two flavors of its children’s liquid cough medicine due to improperly labeled equipment — which translates to a potential overdose risk.

According to NBC New York, two batches of children’s guaifenesin grape liquid (100mg/5mL) and three batches of children’s guaifenesin DM cherry liquid (100mg guaifenesin and 5mg dextromethorphan HBr/5 ml), which are sold in 4 oz. bottles with the dosage cup included with the box, have been  recalled.

This particular medicine is sold nationwide and under a myriad of brand names, including Rite-Aid, Dollar General, CVS and Kroger.

Perrigo Company has issued a list of all the lots being recalled, which might be useful to investigate for anyone who has recently purchased any of the aforementioned products.

The reason for the recall? The oral dosing cup, which is included with each package of medicine, comes with incorrect dosing markings. Perrigo said in a press release that there have been “no reports of adverse events” as a result of the dosage marking error, but the fear is a customer might unknowingly overdose on the medicine.

An overdose of Guaifenesin DM has the potential to cause hyper excitability, rapid eye movements, changes in muscle reflexes, ataxia, dystonia, hallucinations, stupor, and come, Perrigo said in their statement.

Additionally, the statement indicated that nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, seizures, respiratory depression, and death can occur as a result of an overdose as well.

Perrigo’s statement included that it is notifying distributors and customers by verbal and email communication, as well as by formal FedEx-delivered communication via mailed letters.

It is advised that any customers who purchased  the product should immediately discard the product and may call Perrigo, toll free, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET at 1-888-345-0479. They can also be contacted via their recall website, mucusreliefrecall.com.