Public advisory

Several children's strawberry-flavoured acetaminophen syrups recalled because of defective child-resistant safety caps on the bottles

Starting date:
November 14, 2018
Type of communication:
Advisory
Subcategory:
Drugs
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Important Safety Information, Labelling and Packaging
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-68276

Issue

Update – November 20, 2018

The recall has been expanded to include all lots of children's strawberry-flavoured acetaminophen syrups labeled as Biomedic, Option+, or Laboratoires Trianon Inc. because of defective child-resistant safety caps. The table below, which previously listed only specific lots, now shows that all lots are being recalled.

Original Advisory – November 14, 2018

Laboratoire Riva Inc. and Laboratoires Trianon Inc. are voluntarily recalling several over-the-counter children’s strawberry-flavoured acetaminophen syrups labeled as Biomedic, Option+, or Laboratoires Trianon Inc. The products, which are used for pain and fever relief, are being recalled because the child-resistant safety cap may be defective.

A defective cap could allow a child to accidentally ingest the product, which would pose a significant health concern. Accidental ingestion can result in acetaminophen overdose and serious health consequences, including liver damage in extreme cases. Early signs of overdose include nausea, vomiting, lethargy and sweating. Liver damage may result in liver failure or death. Abdominal pain may be the first sign of liver damage and may not be apparent for 24 to 48 hours.

This issue is related to product packaging and not the safety or effectiveness of the drug in the bottles. The products were distributed at major pharmacies across Canada.

What you should do

  • Return affected product to the place of purchase for a refund.
  • Call your local poison control centre immediately if you think your child may have taken too much acetaminophen. Consult your health care professional if your child has used these products and has health concerns.
  • Contact Urszula Wiatrowska, Pharmacovigilance Specialist at Laboratoire Riva and Laboratoires Trianon Inc., if you have questions about the recall. Email uwiatrowska@labriva.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-363-7988, extension 236.
  • Store medications out of reach and sight of children.
  • Report any health product-related adverse reactions or complaints to Health Canada.

Who is affected

Consumers who have bought the affected products listed in the table below

Affected products
Description Company DIN Lot Units Distributed
Biomedic Acetaminophen
(160 mg/5 mL) children’s syrup, strawberry flavour 
Laboratoire Riva Inc. 02226871 All lots 33,595
Option+ Acetaminophen oral solution USP
(160 mg/5 mL) children’s syrup, strawberry flavour 
Laboratoire Riva Inc. 02226871 All lots 33,604
Laboratoires Trianon Inc. Acetaminophen Oral solution USP
(160 mg/5 mL) children’s syrup, strawberry flavour
Laboratoires Trianon Inc. 01958836 All lots 49,423

Media enquiries

Health Canada
(613) 957-2983
hc.media.sc@canada.ca

Public enquiries

(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

What Health Canada is doing

Health Canada is monitoring the recalls. Should additional safety concerns be identified related to this issue, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians as necessary.

Images

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