MiraLAX Recall Over Cap Concerns

Schering-Plough HealthCare Products Inc. quietly issued a product recall Thursday for its over-the-counter laxative MiraLAX. Schering-Plough stresses that the recall is simply out of excessive caution and no consumer injuries have yet been reported.

MiraLAX is a powder laxative for occasional constipation and not for extended or daily usage. It is sold over the counter without needing a doctor’s prescription. MiraLAX functions by causing water to be retained and making it easier to pass a bowel movement.

Schering-Plough manufactures popular allergy drugs Clarinex and Claritin in addition to MiraLAX. The pharmaceutical company also owns the product lines for Dr. Scholl’s and Coppertone. Schering-Plough derives its income primarily from outside the United States. They merged with Merck in 2009.

The recall by Schering-Plough covers thirty day supply versions of the drug. One is a 17.9 oz bottle, while the other is a 19.9 oz with a four count sachet included. Both versions have caps which may be improperly fitted to the bottle, risking possible outside contamination or a choking hazard to young children. The medication should be disposed of if the bottle has a questionable cap. Schering-Plough directs consumers to contact their customer service representatives with any questions about the recall.