Health Canada recalls two lots of Advil cold & sinus medication

Health Canada has issued a recall for two lots of Advil Cold & Sinus Day/Night Convenience Pack medication due to a labelling error.

According to a news release from Health Canada, company GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare ULC has recalled two lots of the boxes in 18 caplet and 36 caplet formats, as a labelling error on the blister packs has resulted in some nighttime caplets being labelled as daytime caplets, and vice versa.

As a result, consumers may accidently take nighttime caplets when intending to take a daytime caplet. 

Health Canada notes that the nighttime caplets contain a “antihistamine medicinal ingredient” that can cause drowsiness, posing potentially serious consequences when taken by those driving motor vehicles or operating heavy machinery. Furthermore, the nighttime caplets could pose health consequences to those who have taken other sedatives, those who have consumed alcohol, and the elderly. 

The daytime and nighttime caplets reportedly have a different shape and colour – with daytime caplets appearing beige marked “ADVIL COLD & SINUS” with black ink, while nighttime caplets are orange, marked with “Advil A/S”.

The affected products were distributed across Canada beginning in July 2021 – and are noted in specific lots. 

Those with affected products should stop using them immediately, and contact a health professional if they have used those products and have health concerns. 

You can read Health Canada's full release here. 

#RECALL: Two lots of Advil Cold & Sinus Day/Night Convenience Pack recalled due to labelling error on blister packs. Consumers may take nighttime caplet instead of daytime caplet, and vice versa. More: https://t.co/kDREgghvjJ

— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) October 3, 2021