Pharmaceutical Drug Recall: GlaxoSmithKline Recalls Alli Due To Potential Drug Tampering
GlaxoSmithKline, the multinational pharmaceutical, biologics, vaccine and consumer healthcare company, warned consumers of Alli of reports that pill bottles in seven different states have been tainted. On Wednesday GlaxoSmithKline and the Federal Drug Administration launched an investigation to discover the root of the tampered drugs. The incorrect pills were found in bottles bought in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina and Texas.
Alli, the only FDA-approved over-the-counter weight-loss aid, is a turquoise blue capsule with a dark blue band imprinted with the text “60 Orlistat”. It is packaged in a labeled bottle that has an inner foil seal imprinted with the words: “Sealed for Your Protection.” Bottles affected will have clear signs of tampering, including a detached seal, removed labels, pills and capsules of all colors and sizes rather than the turquoise blue Alli capsules with a dark blue ring, as well as mismatched expiration dates.
GlaxoSmithKline has undergone some criticism for “shrugging off” Alli’s recall. Due to GlaxoSmithKline size, they could get rid of the drug Alli altogether, and hardly see an impact. Thankfully, as noted above, GlaxoSmithKline is now working with the Federal Drug Administrations to recall the product. “Safety is our first priority and we are asking retailers and pharmacies to remove all Alli from their shelves immediately,” Colin Mackenzie, President Consumer Healthcare North America said in a news release. “We have posted a Consumer Alert on our website, www.myalli.com, and issued a News Release with information and photographs to help consumers determine if their alli is authentic.”
Consumers who have purchased the product are advised not to use it if they are unsure about its authenticity. If consumers have any questions or believe that they purchased a tampered product, they can contact the GlaxoSmithKline at 800-671-2554 for further instructions.