Defective Syringes Recalled

Johnson & Johnson had to withdraw 70,000 syringes filled with Invega, an antipsychotic drug because of cracks that had developed, concealed under the labels.

The Food and Drug Administration had been informed of the recall and the company had sent letters to distributors, pharmacists and health-care providers where it informed them of the recall. Johnson & Johnson had taken this step to prevent infections and diminished efficacy due to loss of the drug's sterility.

Invega has been used to treat schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar 1 disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder. The recall will affect only the 234-milligram-strength injections, but the problem has been dealt with in the manufacturing facility in Belgium and it is expected that by March, the product would be made available again.

This is not the first time Johnson & Johnson had had to recall its products, because of manufacturing-quality issues. But, by dealing with the situation swiftly and uncompromisingly, the company has worked on establishing its ethical standards.



Source: Medindia