McNeil Recalls Tylenol, Motrin, and OTC Drugs, Possible Chemical Contamination

Recently, McNeil Consumer Healthcare announced a voluntary recall of several of their popular over-the-counter medicines, including Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, Rolaids, Simply Sleep and St. Joseph's brand products. The McNeil recall stems from an investigation into a musty odor reported by customers, which were ultimately traced back to a chemical called TBA that is associated with the wooden pallets used for product packaging transportation and storage in some cases. Not all lots of these brands were recalled. Consumers should visit the McNeil site for easy entry of lot number into a search bar to determine whether their product is subject to recall. If the product is subject to recall, consumers can call 1-888-222-6036 to work their way through the automated menu to obtain a coupon to replace the recalled item.

Best time to call for a replacement coupon

The 1-888-222-6036 number is listed on the FDA.gov press release as being a valid number to call Mondays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Eastern time. Weekend coverage is abbreviated to 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. Eastern.

How to get a replacement coupon if your McNeil product is subject to recall.

In my case, I had two different OTC medicines subject to the recall. In my medicine cabinet, I had some Children's Motrin and some Tylenol Rapid Release. I took both lot numbers and entered them into the McNeil site's database and found both to be recalled. Consumers without access to the Internet can call 1-888-222-6036, and they will be prompted to enter their lot number and expiration date via touch tones. If their product is subject to the McNeil recall, they will be prompted to choose other menu options including disposal instructions and obtaining a replacement coupon.

Once the automated system has determined that your McNeil product is subject to recall, select the menu option corresponding to obtaining a replacement coupon. You will be asked to speak at the tone and record the name of your product and the dosage size. Next, the automated system will prompt you to key in your telephone number to determine your address. In my case, my phone number was found in their search, and I did not have to go any further since the recording stated that a coupon would arrive in approximately four weeks.

Have more than one product subject to the McNeil recall?

You will need to make more than one call. However, each time that I called about my recalled products, the call lasted approximately three minutes. I could not find a menu option to choose from that would allow me to cycle back through if I had another product. This is especially cumbersome to those who may have more than one product subject to the recall.

Sources:
Personal experience calling McNeil toll free number
FDA.gov's press release regarding voluntary recall
McNeil Product Recall Web site