Big Valium recall amid tampering fears

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised consumers and medical professionals to return any Valium 5 mg tablets in blister packs of 50 tablets, due to the discovery of evidence of medicine tampering.

If you or someone you care for takes Valium 5 mg tablets supplied in 50 tablet blister packs, do not take them, and instead return them to the pharmacy. 

Where possible, it is advised that the medication be returned to the same pharmacy they were originally dispensed from for a refund and to arrange alternative, equivalent medication (if possible, bring your prescription or repeats).

Valium tablets contain diazepam, which is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms.

It has been advised that if you have an affected pack, there is a risk that you will not have adequate supply of your medicine and could take the incorrect medicine, which could have serious health consequences.

It has been identified that blister pack sheets containing other medicines have been substituted into some packs of Valium 5 mg tablets, which may include (but may not be limited to) BTC Paracetamol Codeine tablets, BTC Rosuvastatin 10 mg tablets, and Apotex-Pantoprazole 40 mg tablets.

It is believed that the tampering is not widespread, but it is being investigated by the relevant authorities. 

Are you affected by this recall?