A recall has been issued for all Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplets in the 100-count bottles with a red EZ-Open cap, as they may contain an unusual chemical contamination that has caused a number of illnesses.
The chemical, known as 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, has been detected in trace amounts in the recalled medication. It is believed to have been caused by the breakdown of a chemical used to treat wooden pallets.
The FDA announced the Tylenol recall on December 18; expanding a previous November recall that was originally limited to only 5 lots of the Tylenol Arthritis Pain Caplets. The bottles are believed to be contaminated with a chemical that has caused victims to suffer nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Consumers have reported that contaminated bottles have a moldy or mildew-like odor. The FDA recall notes that illnesses reported to Tylenol manufacturer McNeil Consumer Healthcare have been temporary and non-serious, but warns that the heath effects of 2,4,6-tribromoanisole have not been thoroughly studied.
The FDA and McNeil recommend that any consumers who have products affected by the Tylenol recall contact McNeil for instructions on how to receive a full refund or replacement at www.tylenol.com. Anyone who has suffered an adverse reaction after taking the recalled pills should contact the FDA’s MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Tylenol has stopped production of the 100-count bottles temporarily, and will reintroduce the product once production has been moved into a new facility in January.
