Pfizer Inc. is recalling over 4 million Nurtec ODT PMM (prescription migraine medications) over child poisoning risks. It comes against the backdrop of the company’s failure to create child-resistant packages that are also safe for children.
Affected persons can get child-resistant packages
In today’s latest news, Pfizer is recalling 4.2 million rimegepant, orally disintegrating 75 mg tablets. The company sells these tablets in eight-dose packages on a blister card. In a communiqué on Thursday, the consumer product safety commission in the US said those affected can get a child-resistant pouch freely from the company and store their medications in it.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, pharmaceutical companies are obligated to dispatch prescription drugs in child-resistant packs. It is a mandate as per the PPP (Poison Prevention Packaging) Act. The commission noted that the product package is not child-resistant. Young children who swallow the contents of this drug accidentally are at risk of poisoning.
Consumers need to keep medicines out of the reach of children
The Consumer Product Safety Commission advised consumers to keep medications out of children’s reach. They can approach Pfizer to get a child-resistant package for storing the medications and preventing danger to children. Patients can continue to use the drug after securing it in a child-resistant package. As of Thursday, no untoward incidents had been reported concerning the issue, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
According to a statement posted on its website, Nurtec ODT identified that its packaging does not conform to the requirements of child-resistant packaging for oral prescription medications. It poses a risk to children if they swallow its contents.
Nurtec further said patients can still use the medications after obtaining a child-resistant package and storing the prescription drugs in it. Referring to the term “recall,”, Nurtec said it is used for refund, repair, notice, or replacement.
Engages in the design of child-resistant packages
According to a recent communiqué from Nurtec ODT, Pfizer is working on making innovative child-resistant packages to store migraine medications. It will comply with the safety requirements mentioned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In the meantime, the blister packages will be placed in the vials, and over them, child-resistant lids will be kept by pharmacists when submitting patient prescriptions. Pharmacists across the nation have received migraine medications beginning December 2021 and March 2023 as prescribed medicine from the company.
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