Patient Safety Alert
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Maalox Total Relief
The FDA has issued a warning about the potential for serious adverse effects from product mix-ups involving Maalox Total Relief and other Maalox products. Maalox Total Relief is a liquid formulation of bismuth subsalicylate (525 mg/15 mL); all other Maalox liquid products (Maalox Advanced Regular Strength and Maalox Advanced Maximum Strength) are antacids.
Novartis Consumer Health Inc. has agreed to change the name of Maalox Total Relief to one that does not include the word “Maalox” and will change the drug’s packaging to avoid further confusion. The renamed product is expected to begin selling in September 2010. Until that time, the FDA is advising consumers and health care professionals to carefully check the labels of all Maalox products to ensure the appropriate product is being selected for the patient’s symptoms.
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm200795.htm