Unsafe Drugs: Massive Recall of Acetaminophen

Millions of bottles of pain reliever acetaminophen are being recalled because they may contain metal fragments. Perrigo Co. sold the pills under store brands by Wal-Mart, CVS, Safeway, and more than 120 other retailers. 11 million bottles are affected by the recall, each containing varying quantities of 500 milligram capsules. There have been no reports of injuries or illness thus far.

Massive recall of acetaminophen underway

Perrigo discovered the metal pieces during quality control checks done after the company found its equipment to be wearing down prematurely. A company investigation found metal in about 200 pills of the 70 million it passed through a metal detector. Consumers who take the contaminated pills may have minor stomach discomfort or possible cuts to the mouth and throat, said the FDA, but serious injury is a very remote possibility. The recall does not affect Tylenol, the brand most commonly associated with acetaminophen.