Hydromorphone Recall Issued by Ethex Due to Oversized Tablets

Another major drug recall has been issued by Ethex Corp. due to manufacturing problems which allowed oversized tablets to be commercially released. This time the company has issued a Hydromorphone recall for one lot of their 2mg tablets. Some of the tablets may be thicker than they are supposed to be, potentially increasing the risk of serious side effects.

Ethex has issued a number of recalls this year due to inadequate quality control procedures which allowed oversized or double strength tablets of generic drugs to be sold to consumers. In each of the recalls, they have indicated that only certain drugs were involved, but it appears clear that the quality control problems for this drug maker are systemic, calling into question the safety of any drugs manufactured by Ethex Corp. or their parent corporation, KV Pharmaceutical.

The Hydromorphone recall applies to 2mg tablets from Lot#90219, with Exp. Date 03/2010. Receiving more of the active prescription for this painkiller than is appropriate could result in a Hydromorphone overdose, increasing the risk of side effects like:

• Respiratory Depression (Difficulty or Lack of Breathing)
• Low Blood Pressure
• Sedation

Earlier Ethex recalls have involved the powerful opioid painkiller Morphine, and our product liability lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are currently investigating a number of reported injuries and Morphine overdose deaths potentially caused by oversized tablets sold by Ethex and their parent company, KV Pharmaceuticals.

Following this latest Ethex Hydromorphone recall, KV Pharmaceuticals announced that they are suspending shipment of all drugs manufactured in tablet form.

Below is a summary of the drugs impacted by Ethex recalls this year:

• June 9, 2008:
  • Morphine Sulfate 60mg Extended Release tablets
• June 13, 2008:
  • Morhine Sulfate ER 30mg
  • Morphine Sulfate ER 60mg
• October 15, 2008:
  • Dextroamphetamine Sulfate 5mg
• November 17, 2008:
  • Propafenone HCI 150mg
  • Propafenone HCI 225mg
  • Propafenone HCI 300mg
  • Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release 30mg
  • Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended Release 60mg
  • Morphine Sulfate Extended Release 15mg
  • Morphine Sulfate Immediate Release 15mg
  • Morphine Sulfate Immediate Release 30mg
  • Dextroamphetamine Sulfate 10mg
• December 23, 2008:
  • Hydromorphone HCI 2mg

In addition, as a result of KV Pharmaceutical’s decision to suspend shipments of all Ethex tablet drugs, the following drugs will be affected:

• Benazepril HCl Tablets
• Buspirone HCl Tablets
• Dextroaphetamine Sulfate Tablets CII
• Doxazosin Mesylate Tablets
• Hydromorphone HCl Immediate Release Tablets, CII
• Isosorbide Mononitrate Extended-Release Tablets
• Metoprolol Succinate Extended Release Tablets, USP
• Morphine Sulfate Extended Release Tablets, CII
• Ondansetron Orally Disintegrating Tablets
• Oxycodone HCl Tablets, CII
• Potassium Chloride 20 mEq Extended-Release Tablets
• Propafenone HCl Tablets

DRUG RECALL LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating potential cases for individuals who have experienced serious injuries or overdoses as a result of any of the medications manufactured by Ethex which may contain oversized tablets. To review a potential case, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.