1 Promenade Circle, Suite 308
Thornhill, Ontario
L4J 4P8
THORNHILL, Ontario - December 9, 2009
Patients might encounter difficulty filling prescriptions of Phenobarbitol at some pharmacies due to a recall of the drug. Pharmascience Inc, the Canadian distributor of Phenobarbital, announced a recall of the drug due to oversized tablets, dating back to June 2009.
The pms-Phenobarbital recall for 60 milligram tablets of the anxiety and seizure drug was announced, due to the concern that some tablets may be oversized. Consumers in Canada have been urged to return any 60 mg pms-Phenobarbital to their pharmacist for replacement.
Health Canada cautions that patients should not stop taking the medication without first consulting with their doctor. Ceasing medication could result in symptoms of withdrawal or an increase in seizures.
A Phenobarbital overdose could cause severe physical injury including coma or cardiac arrest. Receiving too much of the active medication may cause symptoms including decreased breathing and heart rate, lack of muscle coordination, impaired speech, extreme drowsiness and uncontrolled eye movement. Symptoms generally begin to appear within one to two hours, and can be life-threatening.
No injuries or reactions have been reported to date. A new supply of the drug is not expected before late December, 2009. If you have questions regarding the shortage of Phenobarbital please contact Health Canada:
Lyne Parent
Directors Assistant
Therapeutics Drug Division
(613) 941-1499
To find out more about Epilepsy Ontario, please visit our web site:
www.epilepsyontario.org
For additional information contact:
Karla Amirault
Communications Officer
Epilepsy Ontario
Tel - 416 229 2291
Toll free 1 800 463 1119
info@epilepsyontario.org
