Ethex Corporation, a subsidiary of KV Pharmaceutical Company, is recalling more than 60 medications from the wholesale and retail levels, including morphine tablets, narcotics, cardiac drugs, and prenatal and iron supplements. The recall is a precautionary measure after the company discovered their products have not been manufactured according to the current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP).

Ethex issued its first voluntary recall in June 2008, and has continued to update its recall list as new drugs have been found defective. Some of the recalled products contain more than the recommended dosage, putting patients at severe risk for overdose. There has been particular concern about the morphine tablets, which have found to contain almost twice the recommended dosage.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with Ethex Corporation to pull these products from the market. Currently, it is unknown when distribution will resume.

Morphine Overdose Effects

An opioid, morphine is a very strong pain medication commonly prescribed to cancer patients and others suffering from chronic pain. The active ingredient in morphine tablets is morphine sulfate, which can be fatal if ingested in high amounts.

Patients who have taken defective Ethex morphine tablets should seek immediate medical attention. Some of the signs of an overdose of morphine include:

• Bluish fingernails and lips
• Coma
• Constipation
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Labored breathing
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Stomach spasms
• Vomiting
• Weak pulse

Because the recalled products have a wide range of intended uses, the effects of overdose vary accordingly. To view a full list of recalled Ethex products, please visit the FDA Web site.

Ethex Morphine Recall Lawsuits

Defective drugs, such as Ethex's recalled products, are subject to strict liability laws. As a result, patients who have endured harm because of Ethex products are eligible to receive compensation for their medical expenses, lost income and emotional burdens. In most instances, victims join a class action lawsuit, which can award millions of dollars to Ethex recall victims.

To learn more about filing a defective drug claim against Ethex Corporation, contact a highly skilled defective drug attorneys and begin your journey toward justice.