Morphine Sulfate 60mg Recall: Risk of Overdose

A voluntary recall was issued today for one lot of Ethex Morphine Sulfate 60 mg Extended Release tablets. The manufacturer discovered that some pills sold since April 16, 2008 may be twice as thick as they are supposed to be and contain double the morphine. This could lead to life-threatening risks of a morphine overdose.

Ethex Corporation initiated the morphine recall after they received a report that a tablet with double the appropriate thickness was sold. They indicated that it is possible other oversized tablets may have been commercially released from the same lot. The 60 mg extended release morphine sulfate tablets were sold under the “Ethex” brand. They are white oval tablets which contain a “60” on one side and an “E” on the other side.

The morphine recall is similar to the recent Digitek recall which was issued April 25th after it was discovered that tablets contained twice the appropriate amount of digoxin. However, while the Digitek recall was issued for all lots of the medication sold, the Ethex morphine recall only applies to one lot of the 60 mg extended release tablets (lot number 91762). The manufacturer maintains that no other dosage strengths or other lots of the 60 mg strength were impacted by the manufacturing problems.

Morphine is an opioid which can lead to a fatal overdose if too much medication is taken. A morphine overdose can cause respiratory depression and low blood pressure. Therefore, the fact that tablets with up to twice the amount of morphine were sold poses a serious public health risk. In addition, many individuals who are prescribed morphine sulphate are highly debilitated with reduced strength and energy. Therefore, they be less likely to realize that a morphine tablet is thicker then it is supposed to be.

Ethex Corporation has notified wholesalers and retailers who received morphine sulfate tablets from the recalled lot. They have been advised to return the recalled morphine which may still be in their inventory. Consumers have been advised to contact their doctor or pharmacist to determine if they have the recalled medicine. For those who have suffered a adverse effect, product liability lawyers are advising that any unused portion of the prescription should be safely stored and marked so that it is not used if a Morphine recall lawsuit is being considered.