Drug Recall for a Generic Version of Claratin, 30,000 Packets

Earlier this month, Ranbaxy Laboratories initiated a voluntary drug recall of over 30,000 blister packs of one of the drugs it makes. The drug, which is a generic version of the popular allergy medication Claratin, is called loratadin and is a slow release pill with an added decongestant.

The FDA’s official title for the drugs is “Non-Drowsy 24 Hour Formula Allergy Relief and Nasal Decongestant, Pseudoephedrine Sulfate, USP 240 mg, Loratadine, USP, 10 mg, 5, 10, 15 count blister packs, OTC Only.”

According to a report by Business Insider, the recall affects drugs that were sold in the following five states: Rhode Island, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Evidently, the expiration on the packaging indicates that it expires in September 2015. The defective drug was sold at the following pharmacies: Rite Aid, CVS, Discount Drug Mart, H-E-B, Kroger, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, and Sunmark.


The recall itself was based on the FDA’s evaluation that the blister packaging was defective. The drugs in question originated in a New Jersey laboratory, although the company also has plants in India. However, the FDA has banned Ranbaxy Laboratories from exporting generic versions of drugs from its India plants due to “quality glitches.”
As far as what can happen to someone who takes the drugs, it is not exactly clear. However, the recall is a Class II Recall, which means that the drug “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. … The probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Drug Recalls with Dangerous Side Effects

Thankfully, it sounds like the recall announced earlier this month is not likely to have caused many serious adverse effects in patients who took the defective drug. However, that will not always be the case. Many times, when a drug is recalled, those who have already taken the drug may suffer life-long effects that can permanently change their lives.

In these cases, the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the drug, as well as others in the chain of distribution, may be held liable for the injuries caused by ingesting the bad drug. To find out more about the product liability of prescription and over-the-counter drug manufacturers, contact a dedicated Maryland pharmacy error attorney. It may be that you are entitled to compensation for the injuries sustained by the bad drug.

Have You Ingested a Recalled Medication of Bad Drug?

If you or a loved one has ingested a recalled medication or a misfiled prescription, you may be entitled to a substantial monetary award based on the drug manufacturer’s or pharmacy’s negligence. However, these types of cases can be extremely complex due to the science of medicine, and they are best brought by a dedicated team of Maryland pharmacy prescription error attorneys. The Maryland personal injury law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience and dedication you need to feel confident bringing your suit in any Maryland court of law. Click here, or call 410-654-3600 today to schedule your free initial consultation.

More Blog Posts:

Colorado Man Recovers Over $10 Million in Pharmaceutical Error Case, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, May 7, 2014.

Pharmaceutical Company’s Failure to Warn Did Not Cause Plaintiff’s Injury, Court Rules, Pharmacy Error Injury Lawyer Blog, April 29, 2014.

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