Pfizer Recalls Some Lots of Antidepressant Effexor

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) enacted a recall of three lots of antidepressant Effexor, citing a pharmacist report that one bottle of the medication contained a capsule of another product.

Though Pfizer hasn't received any other such reports, the three lots were being voluntarily recalled as a precaution because they were packaged on the same line. Pfizer said there was a "very low probability" that the other bottles of Effexor contained a capsule of Tikosyn.

The treatments being recalled are the 30-count Effexor 150 MG extended-release capsules, one lot of 90-count Effexor and one lot of 90-count Venlafaxine.

The products being recalled were distributed nationally to wholesalers, distributors, some government agencies and retailers, such as pharmacies and hospitals.

Effexor is a prescribed antidepressant that seeks to treat major depressive disorder, general anxiety, social anxiety and panic disorder. It recorded $114 million in world-wide sales in 2013, up 37% from the prior year but a relatively small contributor to Pfizer's overall revenue of $13.56 billion for 2013.

Patients with questions regarding the return of product should contact Stericycle at 1-888-345-0481. Patients with questions regarding the recall can contact Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985. They should also contact their physician or health-care provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking Effexor, Pfizer said.

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