Johnson & Johnson has announced the recall of 13 million units of its antacid chewable tablets. Its popular antacid Rolaids Extra Strength Softchews, Rolaids Extra Strength plus Gas Softchews and Rolaids Multi-Symptom Plus Anti-Gas Softchews are all being recalled because they may contain metal and wood particles. Potential adverse health consequences include gum and tooth injury and vomiting.
The Rolaids recall is the latest in a slew of bad news for the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturer. The company has been plagued by recalls this year including pharmaceutical products such as Tylenol and its hip replacement medical device the DePuy ASR XL hip replacement. The DePuy hip replacement issues may affect all patients who’ve had the hip implanted due to the potential for metal poisoning. All those with DePuy ASR XL hip implants may ask their doctor for a specific blood test to determine if they have suffered metal poisoning as a result of the hip product defect. Essentially, the metal-on-metal hip implant allows metal particles to flow into the bloodstream. These cobalt and chromium metal particles may cause metallosis or metal poisoning in those who’ve had the hips implanted.