Zovirax Suspension 200mg/5ml - incorrect dosing instructions

GlaxoSmithKline UK are recalling multiple batches of 125ml bottles of the above product. This is due to incorrect dosing instructions on the patient information leaflet advising patients to take half the recommended dose - class 2 action within 48 hours. (EL (12)A/25)

22 August 2012

Class 2 medicines recall

Action Within 48 Hours

Pharmacy, wholesaler and clinic-level recall

MDR 34-08/12

Product details

GlaxoSmithKline UK

Zovirax Suspension 200mg/5ml

(Aciclovir)

PL 00003/0202

Alert details

GlaxoSmithKline UK are recalling multiple batches of 125ml bottles of the above product. This is due to incorrect dosing instructions in section three of the patient information leaflet advising patients to take half the recommended dose. A full batch listing is provided below. Please forward this document to listed recipients.  

For medical information enquiries, please contact GlaxoSmithKline UK Medical Information Department on 0800 221441.

For enquiries relating to stock returns, please contact your wholesaler or call GlaxoSmithKline UK Customer Services Team on 0800 221441.

Recipients of this drug alert should bring it to the attention of relevant contacts by copy of this letter. Primary care trusts are asked to forward this to relevant clinics and to general practitioners and community pharmacists for information.

List of Zovirax Suspension 200mg/5ml batches subject to recall on 21 August 2012

Batch number Expiry date Pack size First distributed
B0749I   30/09/2012   125 ml   24 June 2010
B0820E   31/05/2013   125 ml   27 September 2010
B0850G   31/07/2013   125 ml   06 September 2010
B0880I   30/09/2013   125 ml   23 December 2010
B4450L   31/12/2013   125 ml   1 March 2011
B3371C   31/03/2014   125 ml   20 May 2011
B5951D   30/04/2014   125 ml   14 July 2011
B6691G   31/07/2014   125 ml   08 November 2011
B2711F   30/06/2014   125 ml   19 October 2011
B8361G   31/07/2014   125 ml   19 December 2011
B1561L   31/12/2014   125 ml   19 January 2012
B4312A   31/01/2015   125 ml   25 April 2012
B0462C   31/03/2015   125 ml   13 June 2012

MHRA distribution

Further recipients by cascade:

Regional Contacts for NHS Trusts and provider units
Chief Pharmacists: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
Prison health policy unit (DH)
Chief Pharmacists:  Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Isle of Man, Gibraltar
Special Hospitals
Healthcare Commission for distribution to independent health care establishments
Primary care trusts (England)

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Updates to this page

Published 17 December 2014