FDA Warns Consumers Not to Use Stolen Advair Inhalers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that a number of Advair Diskus inhalers that were stolen in 2009 have been found in some pharmacies and that consumers should not used the stolen products.

The products were reported stolen from a GlaxoSmithKline warehouse near Richmond, Virginia, in August 2009. These recently discovered inhalers were the first that surfaced from the theft but the FDA is still warning consumers that more of the stolen products may appear in the marketplace.

Advair Diskus, generically known as fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder, is used to treat those who suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

There are a number of risks associated with the use of stolen pharmaceutical products. They may have been stored at incorrect temperatures and humidity levels. Improper storage conditions can degrade medications or cause them to lose potency. In addition, stolen drugs may have been tampered with and may be contaminated.

There were two lots stolen, totalling 25,600 Advair Diskus inhalers. The lot numbers of the stolen produces are 9ZP2255 – NDC 0173-0696-00 and 9ZP3325 – NDC 0173-0697-00. Patients who have products with these lot numbers should immediately
stop using them, contact GlaxoSmithKline’s Customer Response Center at
888-825-5249, and follow-up with their physician or pharmacist to obtain
a proper replacement.