by Michelle Stein posted in Products

Parents of children with asthma should be aware of a new recall affecting rescue inhalers.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has issued a voluntary recall for nearly 600,000 albuterol inhalers because of a possible defect. This action was taken by GSK as a result of complaints about the overwrap (the pouches containing the inhalers) becoming inflated by leakage from the product. Leaking could cause the inhaler to deliver fewer doses than shown on the dose counter.
Initiated on April 4, the recall affects three lots of Ventolin® HFA 200D Inhalers from U.S. pharmacies, hospitals, retailers and wholesalers. Lot numbers included in this recall are:
6ZP0003 (Exp. 04/18)
6ZP9944 (Exp. 04/18)
6ZP9848 (Exp. 03/18) A statement from GSK reads:
?Though the overall benefit-risk assessment for Ventolin® HFA 200D Inhaler when used at prescribed doses remains favourable, in this situation, there is possible risk to patients of experiencing diminished bronchodilation in the setting of acute bronchospasm if reliant on a rescue inhaler that could potentially not deliver the stated number of actuations. GSK is committed to supplying high quality product and patient satisfaction, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this recall may cause."

This recall is considered a precautionary measure and is not a consumer recall; patients are not currently being told to return their inhalers. However, if you happen to find an affected inhaler in your medicine cabi...