600,000 defective prescription inhalers recalled, FDA announces

Almost 600,000 prescription inhalers have been recalled voluntarily by GlaxoSmithKline.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, the Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol inhalers are not delivering drugs effectively. The medication is commonly used to treat asthma and other reversible obstructive airway diseases.

The recall is in effect for prescriptions nationwide. The following inhalers are affected:

Lot #: 6ZP9848, Expiring 03/18

Lot #: 6ZP0003, 6ZP9944, Expiring 04/18

At this time, GlaxoSmithKline said patients do not need to return their inhalers and the recall is for retail and wholesale suppliers. The recall is a Class II, which means the drugs could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” but serious health consequences are unlikely.

If a patient does feel that their inhaler is not relieving their symptoms, they should seek medical treatment immediately. Questions can be directed to the company’s customer service line at 1-888-825-5249.

This story was originally published April 6, 2017 at 12:58 PM with the headline "600,000 defective prescription inhalers recalled, FDA announces."