Pfizer Inc. (PFE) enacted a recall of three lots of
antidepressant Effexor, citing a pharmacist report that one bottle
of the medication contained a capsule of another product.
Though Pfizer hasn't received any other such reports, the three
lots were being voluntarily recalled as a precaution because they
were packaged on the same line. Pfizer said there was a "very low
probability" that the other bottles of Effexor contained a capsule
of Tikosyn.
The treatments being recalled are the 30-count Effexor 150 MG
extended-release capsules, one lot of 90-count Effexor and one lot
of 90-count Venlafaxine.
The products being recalled were distributed nationally to
wholesalers, distributors, some government agencies and retailers,
such as pharmacies and hospitals.
Effexor is a prescribed antidepressant that seeks to treat major
depressive disorder, general anxiety, social anxiety and panic
disorder. It recorded $114 million in world-wide sales in 2013, up
37% from the prior year but a relatively small contributor to
Pfizer's overall revenue of $13.56 billion for 2013.
Patients with questions regarding the return of product should
contact Stericycle at 1-888-345-0481. Patients with questions
regarding the recall can contact Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985. They
should also contact their physician or health-care provider if they
have experienced any problems that may be related to taking
Effexor, Pfizer said.
Write to John Kell at john.kell@wsj.com
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