Painkiller mix-up raises concerns in the UK

A health warning issued by the British health authority cautions people against packages of an over-the-counter painkiller that happen to contain antipsychotic drugs.

According to the regulatory agency, blister packs of Seroquel XL were present in some batches of Nurofen Plus. Seroquel XL is a prescription-only drug used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Reckitt Benckiser, the manufacturer of Nurofen, stated that South London has witnessed three such cases thus far.
Although “serious investigations” are in progress to inspect the reason behind the mix-up, it is unlikely to cause sabotage.

Nurofen Plus is a codeine-comprising analgesic, and pharmacists have been warned to perform a thorough check before selling packs of the painkiller.

The drugmaker AstraZeneca PLC is the manufacturer of Seroquel.