Tylenol Arthritis Caplets Recalled A moldy odor is associated with vomiting and diarrhea 12/30/09
Acetaminophen Safety FDA panel recommends changes to acetaminophen use 7/1/09

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Tylenol Recall Expanded

By Brenda Goodman

1/15/10 After a rebuke by federal regulators for its slow response to consumer complaints, Johnson & Johnson has expanded its original recall of over-the-counter products.

The problem is a strong moldy smell and taste followed by nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

In addition to the Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplets, the recall now includes batches of regular, extra-strength and children’s Tylenol, Tylenol PM, Motrin and children's Motrin, Simply Sleep, Benadryl, Rolaids and St. Joseph aspirin. A full list of products affected by the recall is available on the company’s Web site.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration reportedly sent a warning letter to McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Johnson & Johnson, saying that the company knew about the problem as early as 2008 but was slow to investigate and respond. The company has 15 days to reply.

The agency said about 70 people had noticed or been sickened by the strange odor.

11 Feb 2010, 17:39

I had three Tylenol products that were purchased at Walmart. I took them back and received a full refund for two of them. They looked up the UPC and lot numbers for me. The manufacturer knew there was a problem in late fall.It was irresponsible or them to allow the product to stay on the shelves for over two months!

Kathy

11 Feb 2010, 13:21

Today I received coupons in the mail from McNeil Consumer Healthcare to replace the bottles of Tylenol Arthritis and Benadryl that I had to quit taking because of the tainted product. If you want to take advantage of this generous reimbursement, go to the link in the article and click on the link for the replacement coupon.

Sylvia

10 Feb 2010, 16:35

Almost all pain medications upset my stomach after taking them for so long due to my arthritis (accelerated by a nasty fall from a ladder when I landed on my feet on concrete) and injuries from a bad car accident.

Luckily, medical marijuana is legal in my state, California, and using it is a wonderful vacation from pain. The side effects are fun, not dangerous, and it also helps with my clinical depression. No one has ever died from an overdose. Go to Norml.com and read about the latest research.

I have to wonder if the pharmaceutical companies are the ones who want it to stay illegal. It used to be legal in our country and even Queen Victoria used it for her menstrual cramps.

I have to wonder why Viagra is legal and marijuana isn't.

RLau

01 Feb 2010, 03:21

There is a medication monitoring service called iGuard.org (www.iGuard.org) that notifies you by email about recalls and safety alerts like this. I registered through my drug store last year (it was free) and got this recall a day before it hit the news (as well as 3 other drug recalls a few months earlier relating to another one of my medicines).

Aud

31 Jan 2010, 20:46

I had recently bought Tylenol Arthritis and had taken it for several days "only" in the morning. I had a pain in my stomach along with a sickly feeling for four days and finally decided to try eliminating the Tylenol and the pain went away in 24 hours. I had also been taking Tylenol PM and have discontinued that also. I just can't believe this has happened AGAIN!! Tylenol had a recall some years ago also. I am vowing to never buy the Tylenol brand again as long as I live.

Barbara

26 Jan 2010, 11:37

I just learned of the recall on Tylenol products. I went to Walgreens to purhase
the prioduct and was told they could not sell
them to me, but noone could give me a reason
as to why. I cannot taKE any products with
ASA in them due to medical conditions.
I guesss I will have to check into generics.
I sincerly hope if this happens again the
public will be notified.
Thank you

trying to help

25 Jan 2010, 05:38

For those who don't understand how the web works, just click on the BLUE letters in the above article that say "the company’s Web site." and it will take you to the company's web site where you can link to the list of recalled lot numbers.

For future reference, when you see writing in a different color, it is usually a 'hotlink' so try clicking on it to get the info you are looking for.

Hope this helps.

dick

21 Jan 2010, 22:48

Yes you are right..not all of us received the article.../but you must have to come here to post a comment..and to then read the article at the top of the page ...that has the links to check your lot ## ..is the height of laziness..

Brenda Waddell

20 Jan 2010, 20:23

I experienced, headache, foul taste in my mouth, stomach pains, and flashes of light from my eyes like a migraine, but no migraine. I don't feel like I should have to destroy this product. It was expensive. Can I return the product to the commissary I bought it at?????

Jeannine M. Izquierdo

20 Jan 2010, 17:30

I have RA. I have been taking Tylenol Arthritis when I have pain. I have never had any problem while taking it except sometimes it worked sometimes it does not. Now after reading this recall I will stop taking it.

Thank you.

Jeannine

Rita King

20 Jan 2010, 10:00

I started taking Arthritis Tylenol after my prescription med was not helping. I only took them for a few days because of nausea and just a sick feeling. I am so glad to know that it was not in my mind. I have stopped taking the drug and threw it out. I took it out of the bottle and crushed it so no else would get it after I heard about the recall. I don't want any more.

leighann

20 Jan 2010, 06:22

I JAVE NBEEN SICK FOR 2 WEEKS TAKING TYLENOL . IT WAS PROBABLY WHAT MADE ME SICK / HOW DO I GET COMPENSATED FOR THE DAYS I MISSED WORK NOT TO MENTION GOING TO THE DR. YOU;LL COST ME ALOT OF MONEY !!!!!!!!!!!

Mona

20 Jan 2010, 06:01

Had I not subscribed to Arthritis Today news letter, I would not have known! I have a friend with RA and she "lives" on Tylenol. I take it ocassionaly and heard nothing in the news or newspapers! How outrageously irresponsible of Tylenol AND the media!

Julie

20 Jan 2010, 01:49

I need a strong pain relief medication and I will not take any perscription drug which can become addictive as I have seen what has happened to others. Therefore I rely on Tylenol. Not so long ago I called the company and informed them I had 1/2 caplet inside a bottle which was completely coated so this had occured before packaging. I wonted to let them know because of their quality control and was not too concerned.The person I talked to was very polite and offered to send me coupon for another bottle. I was sent a $5.00 coupon which I purchased. I have recently been awaken with headache pain(above my right eye) which is not usual for me. I thought it could be a sign of stroke so I desolved 2 St Joseph Baby Asprins in my mouth. Now; Just what is a person to do? Both med's on recall...and I thought nothing could be more safe.ej

Sandra

19 Jan 2010, 19:22

First of all, it's terrible that the manufacturer knew about this in 2008 and didn't respond quickly enough. I'm sure that has to do with the dollar sign. I'm using the store brand of acetaminophen for my arthritis and for my knee, three months post-op for a total knee replacement. I can't take any NSAIDs or anything with aspirin. The store brand works just as well, and is less expensive.

Dorcas

19 Jan 2010, 18:34

I can't believe all the hype and warnings we hear about certain drugs, and then NOTHING about the problems and recall of Tyleno, Motrin, Benedryl, St Joseph Aspirin, etc. This is the first I have heard about this warning and I keep up pretty well with the news. I happen not to use Tylenol products very often, but how about people who are still using these products and aren't aware at all about this! For instance, my mother who is almost 98, takes two Tylenol twice a day. This seems to be a very dangerous thing for everyone -- babies to age 98. I, too, have lost trust in the Tylenol brand, but it also makes me nervous about what the next recall will be with any other drug company.

Suzy

19 Jan 2010, 17:36

Why does the media not deem this as important news and blast it for the consumers...we are however subjected to every Hollywood dating, marriage, or criminal offense over and over and over again. Our society has lost the meaning of importance. This notice was IMPORTANT!

Helen

19 Jan 2010, 17:11

I have been using your product for years due to my arthritis and a knee that will be needing replacement.

How will I know when the new batches come out and/or will they have a change in the label etc.

thanks.

What alternative can I use, as I cannot have any medicine with aspirin.

Barbara Gobrail

19 Jan 2010, 16:28

I received an email from Drugstore.com stating that I had purchased a recalled Tylenol EZ cap in January, 2008. I had checked the Tylenol website early and my bottle was not on the recalled list. However, when I went after receiving the email, it was listed. Yes, it was unopened (even if purchased in Jan,08 - you can see how often I use it!). I have received my coupon for purchase of new bottle! No eplanation that I would expect. Hurrah for Drugstore.com for notifying me of something I purchased 2 years ago!

Pam

19 Jan 2010, 15:40

I have two bottles of the recalled Tylenol Arthritis caplets. I visited the web site and called the number listed there. I got a recording which was somewhat confusing. I'm still not sure if they have my name and address to "send a coupon" in 4 weeks. I also don't know if they heard that I have two bottles. Bottom line....they're not handling this recall well at all for the consumer. Bah humbug!

Elizabeth Ann Kraft

19 Jan 2010, 15:38

After reading an e-mail, which brought me here, I've found out two bottles I have are part of the batches being recalled. It's a shame however, there is no information on who to write to if you became ill. I was sick for periods of time, and not knowing why. But now I do.

Kim

19 Jan 2010, 15:33

Well I'm back from the Tylenol website and I'm lucky - the items I have been using for my grandkids are not on the list. Since they're almost gone I'll finish them up and then maybe switch to the no name (store brand) if available, but from now on I'll be checking the website to check any products I have.

Heather

19 Jan 2010, 15:25

Use store brands for now. They are effective and not on the recall list

Kim

19 Jan 2010, 15:14

I hadn't heard anything about this til I got this email. It hasn't been on the news here and not in the papers. I use Benadryl sometimes(but mostly store brand-cheaper), but I use the childrens Benadryl and also the childrens Tylenol for my grandkids. I'm upset that this was the way we found out -why isn't there more info on the news and in newspapers?

I'll go to the website and find out what to do with open bottles(liquid) and I also want to know if this is in the U.S. or Canada too? So off to the website.

Robin Palacios

19 Jan 2010, 14:58

I have a bottle of tylenol, the arthritis strenth, 100 tabs in easy open bottle. I have been sick on more than one occasion
Sincerely
Robin Palacios

gravitylou

19 Jan 2010, 14:28

thanks. i worked as a nannie for a year or so and now do not. i keep the benadryl and tylenol arthritis on hand. i know they keep some of this on hand also. kept wondering why i was getting sick. a recall should have been issued sooner! thanks for the heads up. i sent an email to the family and let 2 of the 3 adults there know. hope it works out okay for them. once again thanks!

Maggie

19 Jan 2010, 13:28

WHY would you put all of this stuff on the
computer and NOT give out the recall #
on the bottles. WHAT are you trying to
accomplish?

Annie

19 Jan 2010, 13:21

Safeway has ordered the removak of all the Tylenol and Motrin products included in the recall from the shelves as I made a purchase on the weekend of Motrin. Certain products not in the recall might be flagged as Not available for sale due to recall because of the product name; however, they are available for purchase, they are just rung up using a different procedure and the cashiers have been very good about doublechecking the product before selling it.

Mary

19 Jan 2010, 13:10

I see that benadryl is on the list to. I have been taking it for my allegeries and I have not had any of those symptoms they have described here. But I did stop taking it just as soon as I found out it was on the list.
Is there suppose to be some sort of toxin in all these medicines or what? I have not heard anyone say whats in them to cause these problems in people.
Mary

19 Jan 2010, 12:40

Folks I stopped using the tylenol Brand years ago and allways use the Store Brand. I find it just as efective and a lot less expensive.

19 Jan 2010, 12:37

Folks I haven't used the Tylenol Brand in years. I allways use the store brands and find them to be just as effective and considerably less expensive.

Ms. Moorhead

19 Jan 2010, 12:26

Just a friendly reminder to the individuals who persumed everyone recieved the article and the lot numbers of the recall medications.
Not all of us received the article, lot numbers.
We were informed at the check out counter, the register informed us the tylenol products were a recall, location Safeway. Some of the employees didn't know of the recall.
Yes, I agree the ball was dropped to us as the consumers.

Debbie

19 Jan 2010, 12:15

Dick...you are living up to your name. Not everyone understands how these things work.

La Dona

19 Jan 2010, 11:59

I've found Walgreen's brand helped to quell my arthritic pains, and is cheaper than Tylenol.

dick

19 Jan 2010, 11:48

not that tough people..read the article ..go to the link and check to see if you meds are in THE LOT NUMBER ..that is why stores are still selling it..it is not in the bad lot numbers...pay attention ..don't epect others to do the 'WORK" FOR YOU ...

Dar

19 Jan 2010, 11:46

Not only tylenol, I just bought a bottle 50 count Motrin and its on the recall list. I can't believe the stores are not taking the products down sooner. I bought it at Walgreens.

Marilyn

19 Jan 2010, 11:46

FDA should have make them recall these products sooner. I can't believe how long they have known about the problem. I had been having headaches and nausea daily. As soon as I stopped taking the arthritis tylenol, both symptoms stopped.

I called the company because I had purchased numerous bottles because of the amount I took for my R/A. They sent me coupons and before I received coupons in the mail that product had been recalled. I am wise enough that I am not going to take any of it.

My pregnant daughter in law same thing. That is the only product they said was safe.
What a joke. I am pretty angry about FDA not getting involved sooner. Money should not be in the eqation when it involves our health plus my grandchild wanting to be born.

jim

19 Jan 2010, 11:36

I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS!THIS SHOULD OF BEEN BROUGHT TO THE PUBLIC'S ATTENION MUCH SOONER.HOW MANY OTHER DRUGS ARE OUT THERE HAVE ISSUES SUCH AS THIS THAT THE PUBLIC DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT.?

Crissandra Rodgers

19 Jan 2010, 11:27

I just purchased a bottle of Tylenol 8 hour caplets. I am wondering: Are they on this list as well? I would love to know before I take another dose.

Michelle

19 Jan 2010, 11:26

I'm going with a store brand from now on. I'm not happy they sat on it so long. I have two different types of tylenol and both are on the recall list. Motrin and their other medication brands from McNeil are also on recall. Check the website.

Ms. Moorhead

19 Jan 2010, 11:21

Why are the Safeway stores still have all the Tylenol produces that are on recall still on the shelves to be sold?

CHARLES OVERALL

19 Jan 2010, 11:20

THANK YOU

gordon petersen

19 Jan 2010, 11:20

I have a 50 tablet bottle of Tylenol arthritis pain caplets.Are they not on the recall list?

Dianne Rentschler

19 Jan 2010, 11:17

We have had no trouble with generic acetaminophen, and we use them from several sources such as Walgreens, hospital pharmacy, etc.

I am sorry for your problems and since I have multiple chemical sensitivities, and others such as mold, yeast, etc. this would have been a big issue for me.

Thanks for the heads up!

Deb

15 Jan 2010, 17:41

I cannot believe they didn't expand the recall to begin with. I bought a larger bottle of Tylenol Arthritis after they recalled the little one. Fortunately I hadn't opened it, because today I find out that it, too, has been recalled. Since acetaminophen is the only painkiller I can use except Darvocet or morphine, I'm extremely unhappy. I've always used Tylenol brand because I trusted it, but I may have to look into a store brand.

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Tylenol Recall Expanded

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