Vitamins & Medicines Recalled by Lex Pharmaceutical

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Ken Giles
July 21, 1997	(301) 504-7052
Release # 97-161

CPSC, Lex Pharmaceutical Inc. Announce Recall of Vitamins and Medicines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Lex Pharmaceutical Inc. of Medley, Fla., is recalling about 25,000 bottles of vitamins and medicines because they do not have child-resistant packaging as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. If accidentally swallowed by children, these products can cause serious injury or death.

CPSC is not aware of any injuries involving these products. However, about 50 children each year die from poisoning after swallowing medicines and other toxic substances.

This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled products all have plain, screw-on caps. The recall does not involve units with child resistant closures. The recalled products were packaged by Lex Pharmaceutical Inc., but some have different distributors. The recalled products are:

Multigon Junior, a 240-count bottle of chewable vitamin mineral supplements for children, comes in a clear bottle with a white label showing a spotted orange cat on the front. It is distributed by Menper Distributors of Miami, Fla.
Duralgina, a 30-count bottle of analgesic tablets containing acetominophen, also is distributed by Menper Distributors of Miami, Fla. It comes in a white bottle with orange lettering with "THE SUPER STRENGTH PAIN RELIEVER" written on the front.
Cramps Out, a 24-count bottle of tablets containing acetaminophen. It comes in a white and orange bottle packaged in a box. The words "SLEEP AID AND PAIN RELIEVER" and a diagram of a knotted rope within a leg are on the box and bottle. It is distributed by Efficient Laboratories of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Uni 1 Dose, a 100- and 365-count bottle of multiple vitamins with iron that has a blue label on a white bottle (100-count) or clear bottle (365-count). It is distributed by Medley Pharmaceutical of Medley, Fla.
Lexagran-M Vitamins, a l00- and 130-count bottle of tablets, comes in a white bottle with an orange and blue label design. The word "LEX" is written above the product name. It is distributed by Lex Pharmaceutical.
Hematinic Beef-Iron and Wine, a 16-oz. white or brown bottle contains this liquid supplement which also has "LEX" written above the product name with an orange and blue label design, and is distributed by Medley Pharmaceutical.
Supra-Vita, a 100-count bottle of vitamin tablets, comes in a white bottle with a pink label. "Supra-Vita" is written in green and most other writing on the bottle is purple. It is distributed by Carifarma Pharmaceutical Inc. of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

The vitamins and medicines were mainly sold at small pharmacies, and discount drug and retail stores in Puerto Rico, New York, Florida and the Southeastern United States from January 1996 through June 1997 for about $5.

Consumers should immediately discontinue use of the recalled products and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Lex Pharmaceutical at (800) 522-5712 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.

Inquiries in Spanish can be directed to Jésus Chairez at (214) 827-6239.