Pfizer issues nationwide recall of antidepressant

Pfizer Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of the antidepressant venlafaxine due to a possible potentially fatal contamination with a heart drug.

Pfizer Inc. is recalling three lots of the product: 1 lot of 30-count Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCI) 150 mg extended-release capsules, 1 lot of 90-count Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCl) 150 mg extended-release capsules, and 1 lot of 90-count Greenstone LLC-branded venlafaxine HCl 150 mg extended-release capsules.

This recall is a precautionary action because one bottle of Effexor XR contained a single, 0.25 mg capsule of dofetilide (Tikosyn, Pfizer Inc), an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter and maintain normal sinus rhythm.

The recall, of which the Food and Drug Administration is aware (FDA), involves Pfizer lot numbers V130142 and V130140, which both expire in October 2015, and Greenstone lot number V130014, which expires in August 2015. But there is a slim chance that other Effexor bottles were also contaminated.

"Although Pfizer has not received any other such reports, these 3 lots are being voluntarily recalled as a precaution because they were packaged on the same line," the company said in a press release.

Pfizer advises patients who believe they may have mistakenly ingested Tikosyn instead of Effexor XR/venlafaxine HCl to immediately contact their physician or hospital, as the mix-up could be fatal.

"The use of Tikosyn by an Effexor XR/Venlafaxine HCl patient, where the contraindications and drug-drug interactions with Tikosyn have not been considered by the prescribing physician, could cause serious adverse health consequences that could be fatal," the company said.

Other signs or symptoms to watch out for are an abnormal or fast heartbeat, and feeling faint or dizzy.  

You can find these products at wholesalers, distributors, certain government agencies, patient assistance programs, and retailers, such as pharmacies and hospitals, around the nation. The United Parcel Service is notifying customers directly of the recall, and Pfizer is arranging for the return of all recalled products.