GlaxoSmithKline Issues Drug Recall for Weight Loss Drug Due to Tampering
After receiving complaints from consumers in seven states that their weight loss drug, Alli, contained pills other than those they purchased, GlaxoSmithKline has issued a drug recall for the medication.
Consumers reported that they purchased Alli, a weight loss drug sold over the counter and which is turquoise with a dark blue band, but found other pills inside the container. Customers also complained that the tamper-resistant seals inside are not authentic, or that the drug is missing certain labels.
Now, after some fears about tampering, Alli’s manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline has issued a voluntary drug recall to fix the problem. The company is also working with the Food and Drug Administration to investigate how the tampering occurred.
“Safety is our first priority and we are asking retailers and pharmacies to remove all Alli from their shelves immediately,” said Colin Mackenzie, president of Glaxo’s North American consumer health-care division. “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 from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, and Texas have reported a variety of pills stashed inside the Alli bottles.
This is not the first trouble GlaxoSmithKline has had with the weight loss drug. AlthoughAlli has been sold over the counter since 2007, the company has received reports of liver injury related to use of the drug. Alli contains Orlistat, which has been shown in clinical trials to have limited positive effects and several side effects. The drug reportedly works to help the consumer lose weight by blocking enzymes that absorb fat in the intestines, but that same effect can also block enzymes that remove toxins from the liver and gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to liver damage and, in severe instances, liver failure requiring a transplant.
“We are committed to finding out what happened and to doing everything possible to prevent future issues with Alli,” said Mackenzie. “We regret any inconvenience caused by this retailer recall.”
Drug Recalls and Personal Injury
Did you know that every year approximately 200,000 Americans die from prescription drug reactions? While the U.S. government pours billions of dollars into illegal drug interdiction every year, more Americans die from legal, prescription drugs than illegal ones. Every year, thousands of consumers sustain serious injuries from defective products. A defective product lawyer can help you with an injury you may receive. Many of these injuries could be avoided if the manufacturers or distributors of these products took additional steps to ensure consumer safety. Defective products that commonly cause injuries include medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and other defective products such as toys, cars and automotive parts.
Consumers that have been harmed by defective products such as drugs, medical devices, or other products, may be eligible to receive legal remedies. Such legal remedies, or damages, may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of physical capacity, pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Punitive damages are also available in many jurisdictions to punish defendants in those cases involving particularly egregious conduct which demonstrates a reckless or wanton disregard for the safety of the public.
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Defective Drug Recall Cases
If you or a loved one have been injured or died as a result of a dangerous drug given with a prescription, over the counter medication, improper drug recall, or defective medical device, you need an experienced pharmaceutical liability law firm which is able to stand up for your rights, and seek justice on your behalf.Contact our defective drug and wrongful death attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case as well as your legal rights.803.252.4800.
