4.2 Million Arthritis Pills Recalled by ESI Lederle

The drug maker ESI Lederle announced Thursday that it is recalling 4.2 million capsules of the arthritis drug etodolac because they are contaminated with another drug that could cause life-threatening problems in some patients.

The manufacturer said the recall covers one lot--No. 9991052--of 300-milligram capsules of the drug used in arthritis and pain management. The capsules were distributed nationwide.

The company said the etodolac was contaminated during manufacture with the drug acebutolol hydrochloride, a type of drug known as a beta blocker that is used by patients with high blood pressure and certain heart problems.

This contamination may “in rare cases, cause serious or life-threatening side effects in patients with underlying heart conditions,” the company said.

The etodolac is a white capsule. Capsules in the contaminated lot are marked in red with “300” on one end, and “59911” and “3607” on the other end.

The company urged patients to stop taking these capsules and to contact their pharmacist or doctor.

Patients can return the affected drugs to Lederle by calling (800) 747-7016.

ESI Lederle is the generic unit of Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories and a division of American Home Products Corp.