Imodium Recall Issued After Torn Packages Discovered

About 54,000 packaged of Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief have been recalled due to packaging problems, which could reduce the effectiveness of the pills used to control diarrhea. 

McNeil Consumer Health, a division of Johnson & Johnson, announced the Imodium recall on May 17, indicating that some packages could have a tear or hole in them.

The manufacturer has only recalled the Imodium packages at the wholesale level, and not at the consumer level. This is a tactic the company began to use after it was lambasted by the FDA and congress for “stealth recalls” last year, where it sent agents into drug stores and other outlets to buy all of a certain product off store shelves without announcing a recall.

The recall affects packages of Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief, with 18 caplets and a lot number of CMF023.

Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiaries have issued a string of recalls over the past few years due to manufacturing problems, mostly from its McNeil unit.

In April 2010, Johnson & Johnson issued an over-the-counter recall of Tylenol, Benadryl and Motrin, which affected affected 136 million bottles of children’s medications. That recall resulted in the shutdown of the company’s Fort Washington, Pennsylvania plant, an FDA injunction, and the suspension of the production of all children medications manufactured by their McNeil subsidiary for months afterward.

Ongoing manufacturing problems with Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries have resulted in a number of additional recalls, as well as Congressional hearings to explore giving the FDA increased powers to regulate drug makers.

McNeil cautions consumers not to use any pills if the blister is open or torn. Consumers with questions can call the Consumer Care Center at (888) 222-6036.