Mislabeled Phenobarbital tabs recalled from human, animal use

March 10, 2011

Can you believe even THIS is a so-called “voluntary” recall? A freaking mis-labeled medication, and the government can’t force a recall? When is this going to get fixed?

From DVM360.com:

Veterinarians are being advised to take note of a new recall of human Phenobarbital tablets, which are prescribed by DVMs as an extralabel use for treating seizures.

The tablets affected by the recall are actually another drug, mislabeled as Phenobarbital, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals issued the voluntary recall Feb. 5 for several lots of Phenobarbital, and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen tablets because of a label mix-up between the two drugs.

“As a result of this mix-up, pets may unintentionally be given Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen tablets instead of the intended drug, Phenobarbital,” FDA says.

The agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine already has received three adverse event reports for dogs treated with the company’s Phenobarbital tablets, FDA adds.

Lot numbers and more details here. If your pet is on this medication, contact your veterinarian immediately. And after that, your elected representatives. This is insane.

View the original article here