McNeil Consumer Healthcare in the US has confirmed that out of the 21 lots of over the counter medicines it has recalled, only one is distributed in Fiji.

Responding to questions by Fijivillage news this afternoon, McNeil Healthcare Company Spokesperson Nicholas Campbell confirms that out of the 21 products, only the Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets are sold in Fiji.

Campbell said that McNeil Healthcare is currently in the process of contacting all distributors and retail outlets in Fiji to assist them to remove all impacted products.

He said there are also a series of communications to notify the Fiji Pharmacy & Poisons Board and Ministry of Health and also to update Health Care Professionals in Fiji.

In a statement, McNeil Healthcare said the recalled products are currently being sold in the United States, Fiji, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica.

The drugs that are being recalled include Benadryl, Childrens Tylenol, Motrin IB, Tylenol Extra strength, Tylenol Day and Night and Tylenol PM.

McNeil Healthcare said this is a follow-up to a product recall that they originally announced on January 15, 2010, which was initiated following consumer complaints of a musty or moldy odor, which has been linked to the presence of trace amounts of a chemical.

It said the risk of serious adverse medical events is remote and these products are being added to the list as a precautionary measure. The original withdrawal in January also included other types of Tylenol, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep and St. Josephs aspirin.

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr. Sala Saketa said they are yet to be informed of the recall.

Story by: Roneel Lal