Painkiller Recalled After Tampering Suspected
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, a leading worldwide provider of home, health, and personal care products, recalled Nurofen Plus and asked consumers to return unused packs when other manufacturers' drugs were found in some boxes.
In an episode reminiscent of the 1982 Tylenol scare in the United States, Reckitt Benckiser Group plc ordered a recall Aug. 26 of all stocks of Nurofen Plus, an ibuprofen painkiller sold in the United Kingdom and much of Europe. The company, a leading worldwide provider of home, health, and personal care products, asked consumers to return unused packs. British media reported that two other manufacturers' drugs were found in some boxes in the London area, leading Reckitt Benckiser to suspect sabotage.
The company posted this notice:
"Nurofen Plus Ibuprofen, Codeine tablets. Pack sizes of 12's, 16's, 24's, 32's
"Nurofen Plus is being recalled. Consumers are being asked to return packs of Nurofen Plus to their nearest pharmacy following 5 cases of other manufacturers medicine being found in boxes of Nurofen Plus. The safety of our consumers is paramount. Even though there has been no serious health consequences to any consumer, we will not take any risk regarding the quality or safety of our products. No other products from the Nurofen range are affected. Sabotage is suspected and we are working with the police on a formal investigation to find the person or persons responsible. Distribution of Nurofen Plus has been halted at this time.
"This decision has been taken in full consultation with the Medicines & Healthcare products Agency (MHRA) as a precautionary measure. Consumers are advised to return any packs of Nurofen Plus to any pharmacy where a refund will be provided. Pharmacists are advised to return stock to their wholesaler from where it will be collected.
"We would like to apologise to our consumers & customers for any inconvenience caused, and thank them in advance for their cooperation. If more information is required, please call us on 0500 455 456."
The company's website about Nurofen says that the founders of the brand were the first chemists in the United Kingdom to use ibuprofen for the treatment of pain.