The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is calling for the return of 14 batches of a Panadol for infants between one month and one-year-old.
In a media release issued last night, the ministry revealed that the recall of Paracetamol 100miligram or millilitre oral liquid bottle was based on the advice of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) with the assistance of Haleon Australia Pty Ltd which issued a product defect correction alert.
“Difficulties may be experienced when using the supplied dosing syringe,” the media release stated.
“The dosing syringe in the batches in the scope of this recall may experience a performance problem (stiffness impacting the ability to control the delivery of the medicine) which may pose a risk of choking to babies.
“There is no concern around the liquid medicine itself. The component impacted is the syringe.”
The ministry clarified that the problem with the syringe was not linked to all batches of the Panadol liquid.
Fijians who may have acquired one of the 14 affected batches have been advised to discard them while pharmacies have also been alerted to keep a look out.
“Inspect all stock immediately and quarantine stock affected to prevent further use. Return stock to wholesaler for a credit to be issued by 10 May 2024.
“Ensure alternate 1ml syringes are made available to consumers at no cost.
“Pharmacies will be reimbursed by Haleon for supplying these syringes.”
Meanwhile, wholesalers have also been advised to quarantine the affected stock.
“No further stock of these batch numbers is to be distributed to pharmacies.
“Pharmacies are being asked to remove stock from shelves and return to wholesaler for credit. Refunds for wholesalers will be arranged when the response form is returned.”
