Health Canada has issued a recall for one lot of Novo‑Gesic Forte 500 mg acetaminophen tablets sold by Teva Canada Limited after the company identified a potential contamination risk.
The regulator said the recall was triggered by concern about what it described as "the potential presence of phenolic resin or epoxy" in the product. If swallowed, those materials can injure the digestive tract, Health Canada warned.
What consumers should do
- Stop using the affected product immediately.
- Return any remaining tablets to the pharmacy where they were dispensed for a replacement and for proper disposal.
- If you used the product and have health concerns, contact your health-care provider.
Health Canada noted the medication was supplied to pharmacies in bottles of 1,000 tablets but may have been given to patients in smaller containers at the point of sale. The agency said it is monitoring the recall and the manufacturer's corrective measures and that it will take further action and update the public should additional safety issues emerge.
"Health Canada is monitoring the recall and the company’s preventative and corrective actions. If additional safety concerns arise, Health Canada will take appropriate action and inform Canadians as needed," the agency said.
Product details
| Product | Strength | Manufacturer | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novo‑Gesic Forte | 500 mg acetaminophen | Teva Canada Limited | 1,000‑count bottles (dispensed in smaller packages) |
The recall notice directs customers to contact Teva Canada Customer Care for additional information and to report any side effects or complaints to Health Canada. The agency did not publish a lot number, expiry date or specific distribution details in its public notice, instead advising pharmacies and the manufacturer to handle returns and disposal.
Context and consequences
Acetaminophen is a widely used over‑the‑counter analgesic and antipyretic, which makes timely notification important for public safety. Affected products circulating through pharmacies could reach large numbers of patients, especially where bulk bottles were repackaged into smaller quantities for dispensing.
Health Canada’s approach to recalls typically includes oversight of the company’s response, coordination with provincial regulators and communication with health‑care professionals and the public. In this case the regulator emphasised both the immediate steps for consumers and continued monitoring of the manufacturer's corrective actions.
Pharmacies and health centres are the primary points of contact for consumers to return affected medication and obtain replacements. Patients who are using acetaminophen regularly for chronic pain, fever management or other conditions should consult their prescriber or pharmacist before stopping treatment, to ensure safe alternatives and to avoid sudden gaps in pain management.
Canadians with questions about whether their product is included in the recall should contact their dispensing pharmacy or Teva Canada Customer Care. Any adverse effects linked to the product should be reported to Health Canada, as directed in the recall notice.
This recall underscores the importance of surveillance in the pharmaceutical supply chain and clear communication when contamination risks are identified, particularly for high‑volume over‑the‑counter medicines.
