Nurofen Plus recalled over anti-psychotic drug mix-up

The mix-up is believed to have happened at a wholesalers and thousands of packs could potentially be affected. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) isssued the alert, warning that packets of Nurofen Plus could contain individual blister packs of the drug Seroquel XL 50mg. The packs have been found in pharmacies across the UK.

Nurofen is a painkiller containing Codeine, while Seroquel is a prescription only drug used to treat disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar depression.

Ian Holloway, from the MHRA’s defective medicines report centre said: “People should check to see if they have any affected packets of Nurofen Plus. If you do, return them to the pharmacy where you bought them.”

The affected packs of Neurofen Plus all contain 32 tablets and carry the following details: Batch Number expiry Date Product Licence No
13JJ 03/2014 00327 / 0082
57JJ 05/2014 00063 / 0376
49JJ 05/2014 00063 / 0376

The large capsules of Seroquel XL tablets have gold and black packaging, so look distinct from the usual Neurofen Plus tablets which are smaller and have silver and black packaging.

Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturer of Nurofen Plus, issued a statement saying that MHRA have “considerable law enforcement powers” to investigate how the mistake occurred. It said: “Manufacturing errors by the makers of Nurofen Plus or Seroquel XL are not thought to be part of the cause at this stage. We are taking this matter very seriously and are working closely with the regulatory authority the MHRA and pharmacies.

“Nurofen Plus is a pharmacy-only medicine which means it is behind the pharmacy counter. It is not available for self-selection from the shop floor – and therefore pharmacists are able to check packs and greatly reduce the likelihood of affected packs being sold.”

Anyone who has taken a tablet and has further questions should speak to their GP.