Medication Recall for Migraine Due to Bacteria: What to Know



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Pfizer has reminded some migraine medications about bacteria.

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Some batches of migraine medications have been recalled. Getty Images

Pfizer, Inc. has recalled a lot of migraine medications because the pills could be contaminated with two types of harmful bacteria.

The company released the recall of Eletriptan Hydrobromide (RELPAX) last Thursday, pointing out that the affected batches could contain the genus of microorganisms. Pseudomonas and Burkholderia.

No cases of illness or injury have been reported to date, but people taking the medications should immediately bring them back to the pharmacy.

If ingested, both bacteria can cause several types of serious infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems.

"People who eat oral products contaminated with microorganisms may spread bacterially from the intestine to the blood, which could lead to serious life-threatening infections. In addition, there is a risk of temporary gastrointestinal distress without serious infection, "said Pfizer in a post on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

The drugs were widely distributed across the country to several hospitals, wholesalers, retailers and health care providers in June and July.

the products concerned, whose expiration date is February 2022, include:

  • lot number AR5407, box containing a blister pack with six 40 milligram tablets (mg)
  • batch number CD4565, box containing two blister packs of six 40 mg tablets each

Pfizer has already notified the recall to all its direct customers through a letter explaining how to get a refund.

Anyone with lots should stop using them immediately. In addition, any pills provider should stop distributing them and inform customers of potential contamination.

"Pharmacies need to be aware of these recalls and immediately call patients who have obtained these medications from the recalled patches," said Dr. Medhat Mikhael, Pain Management Specialist and Medical Director of Spine Health's Nonoperative Program MemorialCare Orange Center. Coast Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif., Told Healthline.

As long as the contamination is detected and treated early enough, an epidemic can be prevented, said Mikhael.

In general, the risk of illness or serious infection is quite low in healthy people.

If a healthy person gets sick after ingesting the tablets, they will probably have lighter symptoms, including gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea, and nausea.

However, those whose immune system is compromised – such as those who undergo chemotherapy or people with cystic fibrosis – run the greatest risk if they are exposed to one or the other kind . Pseudomonas or Burkholderiabecause they can experience life – threatening infections.

"These two bacterial groups are easily found in the environment and can cause various infections, ranging from blood infections to skin or lung infections," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, infectious disease physician and senior scientist at the Center for Disease Control. Sanitary Security of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

According to Adalja, respiratory infections are usually the most common type of infection in these types of bacteria.

If you have the medications involved, the first thing to do is return them to your pharmacy or call Stericycle Inc. at 877-225-9750 for more information on how to return them and get them reimbursement.

If you have used the tablets, contact your health care provider immediately. They can prescribe antibiotics as needed with a lot of anti-migraine pills safely.

"Patients to whom the recalled medication has been prescribed should discuss with their doctor the possibility of receiving a new prescription. The recall only concerns certain lots. Patients should be able to get replacement pills, "said Adalja.

Finally, make sure to report your symptoms to FDA MedWatch Adverse Events Notification Programso that the FDA can continue to monitor the situation.

Although such bacterial contaminations are very rare, it is essential to know how and why these microorganisms have been found in drugs to prevent future outbreaks.

Pfizer, Inc. has recalled two batches of RELPAX, an adult migraine medication, fearing that it is contaminated with two types of harmful bacteria.

Although the risk of illness is low in healthy adults, microorganisms – genus Pseudomonas and Burkholderia – can cause serious life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. Those who have the medications concerned should return them to a pharmacy and contact their health care provider immediately.

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