As parents, we assume that medicines we give our children are safe and that they will benefit their health. But in November of 2013, the Perrigo Company voluntarily issued a nationwide product recall of 18 batches of acetaminophen liquid for infants due to a defect with the oral syringe included in the package. While the vast majority of over-the-counter medications you give your kids are safe, it’s impossible to know when that may not be the case. I’ll tell you more about this case below, and what to do if your child is harmed by a medication. If you’ve been harmed by a medication, a product liability attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates can help you better understand your rights with a free case consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
Case Summary
The details of the Perrigo recall, which involved two and four-ounce bottles of 160 mg/5mL acetaminophen liquid suspension, are disconcerting to say the least. The recall was originally issued due to the possibility that some packages could have contained oral dosing syringes that were unmarked. While the proper syringes included dose markings for 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 mL doses, numerous syringes may not have had the proper labeling.
Obviously this could have led to many serious issues–without proper dose markings, it would be easy for infants to receive a dangerously high dose of the medication. Perigo Chairman Joseph C. Papa stated in the press release that “There are no issues or concerns with respect to the safety or efficacy of the product, only the potential that the oral dosing device in a relatively small number of packages could be unmarked. Out of an abundance of caution, we are taking this measure to maintain the highest possible product quality standards for our retail customers and consumers. While we cannot be certain that any of these unmarked dosing devices were released into our customers’ supply chains, taking this action is the right thing to do.”
After the recall was issued, the company issued emails and verbal communications to both customers and distributors, and arranged with FedEx to have all of the packages in question returned to them. Consumers were also warned not to use products with defective labeling, and customers who received products with properly labeled syringes were assured that they could safely use the product. No complaints were issued with the company and no injuries occurred.
While no harms came to pass in this situation, unfortunately this is not always the case–especially when it comes to medications. Dangerous drugs, medical device errors, and other serious mistakes on the part of drug and medical device manufacturers can be life or death matters. After a product recall, in many cases you may be legally justified in suing the company responsible, so reaching out to an attorney is advisable.
Do I Have a Product Liability Case?
While the Perigo company took action after they discovered that there was a packaging issue with their drug, this does not excuse their negligent behavior. Any risk created by a faulty manufacturing process must be taken seriously.
If you believe you or your child was harmed by a product that was defectively manufactured or distributed, it is well within your rights to speak with a product liability attorney. At Buttafuoco & Associates, we believe in holding corporations accountable for their negligent actions and fighting for the rights of anyone affected.
Get in touch today for a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
