Stolen Shire medicines found in expired returns

Shire Pharmaceuticals has warned that some of its medicines stolen whilst in transit in 2008 are now reappearing on the market as expired returns.

The company suffered a theft of a shipment containing its attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drug Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts) and epilepsy medication Carbatrol (carbamazepine) in October 2008. The load was en route from its manufacturing facility in North Carolina to a distribution centre in Kentucky.

Around 35,000 units of 200mg Carbatrol capsules with expiry dates of either the end of April 2010 or end of May 2010 were taken by the thieves, and it appears some of these products have turned up in returns of expired medicines. 

US pharmacies and drug stories can receive credit or refunds if they return expired, unused medicines to the manufacturer, and this presents an additional 'route  for criminals who steal or counterfeit medicines to infiltrate the legitimate supply chain.

Shire warns that more stolen product may still be on the market and that stolen Carbatrol and Adderall XR should not be used or sold because the safety and effectiveness of the product could have been compromised by improper storage and handling or tampering while outside of the legitimate supply chain.

The following products and lot numbers are affected:

• Adderall XR 15mg; Lot No. A38146A; Expiration Date: 02/29/2012
• Carbatrol 200mg; Lot No. A40918A; Expiration Date: 04/30/2010
• Carbatrol 200mg; Lot No. A40919A; Expiration Date: 04/30/2010
• Carbatrol 200mg; Lot No. A41575A; Expiration Date: 05/31/2010