Nurofen Plus recalled as drug manufacturer suspects sabotage

Reckitt Benckiser recalls painkiller following discovery of two more packets containing anti-psychotic and anti-seizure drugs

The makers of Nurofen Plus have recalled the tablets and said it suspects packets of the painkiller have been sabotaged with anti-psychotic and anti-seizure drugs.

Five reported cases of other medicines were discovered in boxes of Nurofen Plus.

Investigators began trying to establish how some packs of Nurofen Plus came to contain strips of the potentially harmful anti-psychotic drug Seroquel XL and issued a safety alert.

Consumers were warned to check their supplies of the over-the-counter drug after the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a warning that some packs contained Seroquel XL 50mg.

Three packs of Nurofen Plus were found to contain blister packs of the medicine. They were bought in Victoria, Bromley and Beckenham, south London.

A spokesman for manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser said: "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."

Dr Aomesh Bhatt, Medical Director for Nurofen Plus, added: "We are taking this matter extremely seriously and have decided to recall all packs of Nurofen Plus as the most prudent course of action in the current circumstances.

"We're asking consumers to return any packs of Nurofen Plus to a pharmacy. No other Nurofen products are affected or being recalled."

In each affected pack, the end two capsules of Seroquel XL had been cut off. However, two more contaminated packets were subsequently found.

One contained Seroquel XL 50mg tablets and the other contained the Pfizer product Neurontin 100mg capsules, used to treat seizures.

The Reckitt Benckiser spokesman added: "The safety of our consumers is paramount. Even though there have been no serious health consequences to any consumer we will no! t take a ny risk regarding the quality or safety of our products.

"This decision has been taken in full consultation with the MHPRA 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."


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