JOHNSON & JOHNSON UNIT RECALLS 70,000 SYRINGES OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUG INVEGA DUE TO CRACKS

A unit of Johnson & Johnson has recalled 70,000 syringes of its antipsychotic drug Invega Sustenna after finding that some of the pre-filled syringes may have cracks which possibly could affect the drug's sterility.The crack is completely covered by the label and is not detectable by the user.

The company said in the letter posted on its website that there have been no reports of adverse effects or infection since the product launched and no reports of leakage associated with cracked syringe barrels. No other strengths of the drug or products marketed are affected.

Invega was approved in December 2006 to treat schizophrenia. The drug is related to Risperdal, a former blockbuster antipsychotic that lost patent protection in 2008. Janssen markets Invega in the United States for New Brunswick, N.J.-based J&J. Janssen said the recall impacts most available inventory of the 234-mg strength drug, but it expects to resume shipping product in early March and returning to normal levels of product availability in April.

This is the latest recall for Johnson & Johnson, which in the past year has recalled millions of bottles of children's Tylenol and other pain relievers and cold medicines for children and adults, as well as some 1 Day Acuvue contact lenses sold abroad.