Ethex 30mg IR morphine recall

[jersey_emt]

I used to get the Ethex-branded 30mg immediate-release morphine tablets for breakthrough pain before I was switched to Roxicodone. Some of you probably remember a while back the Ethex extended-release morphine tablets were recalled due to some containing more (as much as 2x) morphine than their indicated dosage. Well, it looks like Ethex had similar problems with their immediate-release morphine tablets as well. I received a letter from Walgreens stating:

________________________________________

November 2008

URGENT DRUG RECALL INFORMATION

Dear Walgreens Prescription Customer,

Our recods indicate that you received one or more prescriptions for Morphine Sulfate Immediate-Release (IR) tablets from a Walgreen pharmacy.

The manufacturer of Morphine Sulfate IR tablets, Ethex Corporation, is recalling several lots of this medication because there is the possibility that some tablets may be oversized and may contain more than the appropriate level of active ingredient. Your prescription may have included product from one of these affected lots.

We do not recommend that you discontinue taking Morphine Sulfate IR tablets without speaking to your physician. We ask that you attempt to contact your physician or other health care provider and share this information with them. You may return any remaining Morphine Sulfate tablets to your local Walgreens pharmacy for a refund.

If you have questions about this recall, you may contact the manufacturer at 1-800-748-1772 from Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST of via email at customer-service@ethex.com. You may also visit their web site www.ethex.com. Information is also available at the FDA web site www.fda.gov.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to seeing you at Walgreens so that we can continue to serve all of your healthcare needs.

Sincerely,

Kermit R. Crawford, R.Ph.
Senior Vice President
Pharmacy Services