Police investigate Valium drug tampering

Police are investigating the suspected tampering of five milligram Valium tablets, after a second pharmaceutical company recalled the medication.

Investigations are continuing into the suspected tampering of packs of valium, with a second pharmaceutical company recalling the medication amid concerns for patients.

Packs of Arrow Pharmaceuticals Valpam 55mg tablets sold in blister packs of 50 tablets were recalled country-wide by the Therapeutic Goods Administration late on Friday evening.

The precaution was taken after other medicines were found to have been substituted in some of the Valpam 5 batches, the TGA says.

Valpam 5 tablets contain diazepam, which is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms.

Pharmacists across the country were notified and the issue reported to police, with customers advised to return affected packs to the pharmacy where they purchased them.

"If a patient has an affected pack, there is a risk they will not have adequate supply of their medicine and could take the incorrect medicine, which could have serious health consequences," the TGA said in a statement.

NSW Police said "inquiries into the incident are continuing".

The precaution comes two weeks after drug-maker Roche was forced to recall packs of five milligram Valium tablets after they were found to contain other drugs such as paracetamol codeine tablets and Apotex-Pantoprazole 40mg tablets.

The TGA is advising anyone with Valpam tablets to promptly return any unused medicine to a pharmacy for a refund.

"If you notice any discrepancies with your medicine, talk to your pharmacist," the TGA said.


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Source: AAP


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Police investigate Valium drug tampering | SBS News