Per recent news reports drug manufacturer Johnson & Johnson has recalled 57000 bottle of Topamax a prescription drug used for epilepsy and migraines due to the presence of a strange odor caused by trace amounts of tribromoanisole (TBA). TBA is not considered toxic but it can emit a foul odor and cause temporary stomach issues. Topamax users who believe their prescription drugs smell strange can return their medication to their pharmacist for a replacement. Johnson & Johnson has issued similar recalls in the past due to strange odors but this is the first such recall that has affected a prescription drug. Further information about the recall can be read on the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations Topamax Recall website.
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Its fortunate that this particular drug recall is only due to a seemingly benign issue related to a strange smell. However the fact that trace amounts of any chemical not purposely used in the manufacture of a drug is present in a prescription drug seems like cause for concern. As drug manufacturers push out more and more drugs these apparent lapses in manufacturing can lead to such contamination issues. Consequently its important to be aware of any possible recalls of the drugs you may be using on a daily weekly or monthly basis. The information contained on the FDA 2011 Safety Alerts for Human Medical Products website may be a good place to start investigating any possible issues that may be of relevant to you.
– Texas Defective Drug Injury Attorney Michael Grossman
