ADVERTISEMENT
Close
News > Health Advisory Issued for Certain Painkillers
Text Size Plus Minus | Print Email

Health Advisory Issued for Certain Painkillers

Manufacturing mishap may cause shortage of some opioid analgesics.

By Andrea Kane

1/19/12 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has issued a public health advisory for certain opioid analgesics made by Endo Pharmaceuticals. The affected products are Opana, Opana ER, oxymorphone hydrochloride tablets CII, Percocet, Percodan, Endocet, Endodan, morphine sulfate extended-release tablets CII, and Zydone.

Because of a problem at a Novartis-owned manufacturing plant, which makes and packages these medications for Endo Pharmaceuticals, stray tablets may have been packaged with these products. The FDA and Endo Pharmaceuticals say the likelihood of a packaging error is low. Since 2009 there have been only three product mix-ups involving these medications reported, all of which were detected by pharmacists. For more information, click here.

Nonetheless, patients are advised to examine their opioid medication to ensure that all the tablets are the same and to ask their pharmacists if they have any doubts. Click here to download a visual guide to help identify medications. Patients with additional questions or concerns can contact Endo customer service at 800/462-3636.

The Lincoln, Neb., facility has temporarily suspended operations and shipments, and Endo Pharmaceuticals reports that there may be short-term shortages of the affected medications. The FDA is working with Novartis and Endo to address the problem.

JoAnn
16 May 2012, 11:22
I'd like to say that taking anything herbal can cause a false positive in your drug test. I wouldn't for that reason. Many herbs are good. If you can find enough help taking them...good. But if you still need medication from a doctor herbs won't fit in the plan I would bet. Something to think about.
Neva Rogers
15 May 2012, 11:02
I wanted to comment re Cheryl T and Armour Thyroid. I took it for 50 years and doctors kept at me to change. It took a long time to get the synthetic balanced. I now take Levoyxl.
I took Cymbalta for a short time and it did not work well for me. I stopped.
Roberto P.
04 May 2012, 11:51
Have you done any research on the Provailen painkiller that is being sold over the internet, claiming it is a natural drug with no side effects? It's ingedients are Reishi Mushroom, Tongkat Ali, and Capsaicin. Their official site is http://provailen.com/

Thank you for your kind attention.



Rafael Carrasquillo
06 Feb 2012, 12:35
Me gustaria saber que medicamentos para la atritis soriatica pueden ser usados sin perjuicio a los rinones del paciente. Gracias por su atencion...
Damien
20 Jan 2012, 11:54
Before taking any medication is necessary to visit your doctor or otherwise learn about the Painkiller to take, there are different places like findrxonline which can provide such information.
Stephen
20 Jan 2012, 11:34
Shouldn't the pharmacist be checking for stray pills?

Leave a Comment

The comment function provides the opportunity to comment on the content above.

General comments or questions to Arthritis Today editors and medical experts can be submitted here. Past medical questions and answers are available here.

Promotion of products and services and other inappropriate comments are prohibited and will be removed. If you spot one of these before we do, please send an alert.

All fields are required but only your name and comment will be displayed. Your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose.

Name:
Email:
Text:

Have a Question?  Ask our panel of medical experts. A Magazine That Can Change Your Life! Form an Arthritis Walk Team Today. Know Your Alternatives
ADVERTISEMENT
Arthritis Foundation National Health Council BBB Accredited Charity