by Gulrukh Tausif

Created on: February 22, 2012   Last Updated: May 03, 2012

Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare division has taken off 574,000 bottles of infant Tylenol from store shelves after fears that the faulty cover design could lead to wrong drug dosages in children.

The health care giant has recalled its entire U.S. supply of grape-flavored liquid Tylenol for infants younger than 2 years old after parents complained about problems with the new SimpleMeasure dosing system introduced by the company.

Ironically, the new design was meant to prevent accidental ingestion and ensure accurate dosing of the medicine.

In a press release issued by Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare division, it was revealed that the SimpleMeasure design included a dosing syringe. The parent or caregiver could insert this syringe into a protective cover, or “flow restrictor,” at the top of the bottle to measure the proper dose. In some cases, the flow restrictor gets pushed into the bottle when inserting the syringe, making it difficult to measure the drug dose correctly.

The company has also advised the consumers that Children’s Tylenol products that are prescribed for children who are two years of age and above have not been affected by this voluntary recall and remain available.

No adverse reaction associated with this problem has been reported to date and the risk of a serious adverse medical event is remote.  Public has also been advised that the recall is from stores and wholesale dealers only. Consumers who have already bought the medicine can continue using the product if the flow restrictor at the top of the bottle remains in place.

Pediatricians prescribe Infant Tylenol to provide fast and effective relief of pain and fever symptoms in a baby. According to the product website, pediatricians have relied on Tylenol for more than 50 years to help reduce fever, toothache, headache or other minor aches or pain in children arising due to cold, flu, and sore throats.

The recall affects seven lots of infants' Tylenol Oral Suspension 1Oz. Grape, sold across the U.S. as an over-the-counter (OTC) product as pain reliever and fever reducer in children. The recalled infant Tylenol

♦ Has the UPC code 300450122308.

♦ Has lot numbers BIL0U00, BIL0V00, BIL3500, BJL2D00, BJL2E00, BJL2T00, or BJL2U00.

Johnson & Johnson has long been recognized as a leading health care company, which is directly engaged in research, development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of products that impact human health and well-being.

However in recent years, the company has been plagued with other recall issues including recall of certain lots of Tylenol 8 Hour Extended Release Caplets, Tylenol Arthritis Pain, Tylenol Sinus, BENADRYL® and SUDAFED PE® products and many other children and infant care items. Consumers can find the complete information and listing of all of the Johnson & Johnson, McNeil healthcare product recalls at http://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/.

Consumers can also request a refund by visiting the company’s website or contacting McNeil Consumer Healthcare division by phone at 1-888-222-6036 to address any concerns or questions about the recall.

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