Morphine Recall: Manufacturing Defect May Have Resulted in Potentially Deadly Double-Dose Tablets

In June and November of 2008, two nationwide morphine recalls were issued by Ethex Corporation, a subsidiary of KV Pharmaceutical Company. The recalls were due to manufacturing defects which could have allowed oversized tablets to be distributed to the public.

The first major recall came in June 10 over one lot of Ethex 60 mg Morphine Sulfate Extended Release tablets sold since April 2008. The reason for the recall: some of the pills were double thickness and contained twice the appropriate amount of morphine. Another 64 lots were added to the morphine recall on June 16.

In November, two more morphine recalls were issued, as well as recalls for several generic drugs. The morphine recalls involved the 15 mg Morphine Sulfate Extended Release Tablets and the 15 mg and 30 mg Morphine Sulfate Immediate Release Tablets.

The danger from these oversized pills is that users could suffer a dangerous and potentially fatal morphine overdose. The side effects of taking double the recommended amounts could include:

• Lack of breathing
• Difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Low blood pressure
• Death

In response to these manufacturing defects, a stockholder class action lawsuit has been filed against KV Pharmaceutical. The lawsuit alleges that KV Pharmaceutical made false and misleading statements about its compliance with FDA regulations regarding the manufacture and marketing of generic drugs. The lawsuit also alleges KV Pharmaceutical failed to disclose problems with its manufacturing facilities, resulting in the sale of unsafe drugs that may contain more than the intended levels of the active drug.

Individuals who have been harmed by the use of the recalled Ethex morphine tablets should take prompt legal action. By contacting a defective drug lawyer, you are helping to ensure that your rights are protected.

If you have been injured by a dangerous drug, the manufacturer may have failed in its duty to design, make, inspect or label the product appropriately. At Brown & Crouppen, we believe that drug companies that place profit above people must be held accountable for their negligence and the damage they cause to innocent victim’s lives.

Brown & Crouppen’s skills, credentials and resources have helped our clients get compensation from the manufacturers and suppliers of unsafe drugs and products. We can help you make informed decisions about your legal rights, so please call us Toll-Free at 888-891-2022 for your FREE legal consultation, or save time with our claim evaluation form.