Paliperidone Extended-Release Tablets 3mg by Teva Pharmaceuticals: Recall - Dissolution Test Failure

AUDIENCE: Pharmacy, Psychiatry, Patient

ISSUE: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (Teva) initiated a voluntary recall to retail-level on 05/31/2017 for one lot of Paliperidone Extended-Release Tablets, 3mg, 90 count bottles, lot 1160682A, expiration 6/2018, NDC 0591-3693-19, that was distributed under the Actavis Pharma Inc. label. In coordination with FDA, Teva is extending this recall to the consumer/user level.

This recall is being carried out due to failing test results for dissolution. Teva cannot at this time exclude the potential for additional tablets to be below specification.

Taking a product for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders that has failed dissolution could result in less drug being absorbed. If two or more consecutive dosing regimens are with affected product, a failure to maintain therapeutic levels could occur, which could reduce effectiveness in treating a patient’s mental and/or mood symptoms, including suicidal thoughts and behavior, self-injurious behavior, mental hospitalizations, assaults, aggressive behavior, as well as vocal and motor tics.

Based on Teva’s investigation, the likelihood of consuming two or more consecutive doses with affected product is low. In addition, no post marketing adverse events have been received to date for lack of effectiveness for this recalled lot.

BACKGROUND: Paliperidone Extended Release Tablets, 3mg is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders and was distributed nationwide in the USA to wholesalers.

RECOMMENDATION: Teva has issued an Urgent Drug Recall Letter to its direct accounts. Teva has made arrangements for impacted product to be returned to Inmar. The letter asks these consignees to notify their customers that were shipped the recalled lot informing them of this recall. Anyone with an existing inventory of the recalled lot should stop use and distribution, and follow the instructions in the letter for product returns. Teva does not expect any supply interruptions.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Teva by 1-888-838-2872, option 3, then option 4, Monday – Friday (excluding holidays), 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time, or email druginfo@tevapharm.com. Consumers should contact their healthcare provider, physician and/or pharmacist if they have experienced any problems that may be related to this drug product.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Read the MedWatch safety alert, including links to the recall notice, at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm563358.htm