Merck Recalls Vitamin D3 Drugs Due To Soy Oil Deficiency

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) on Thursday decided to recall the vitamins D3 for children "Fluor- Vigantoletten" and "Vigantoletten" distributed in Germany, Romania, Poland and Luxembourg, after data found minor problems with the soy oil used for the drugs.

1 view

Merck decided to pull the drugs from the market because tests showed the concentration of vitamin D3 in the mentioned products was bellow labeled values.

“A slightly decrease level of vitamin D3 is not a medical risk. However, since the product is meant for infants 6 months or older, the company decided to recall the products,” Magdalena Badulescu, president of Romania’s National Drug Agency, or ANM, said Thursday.

Merck is still investigating the cause of the deterioration in vitamin D3, but it indicated the soy oil is likely responsible.

The company said in a statement that the recall aims only the Fluor-Vigantoletten 500, Fluor-Vigantoletten 1000, Vigantoletten 500 and Vigantoletten 1000 that expire in 2010 or before.

Vitamin D3 sufficiency prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, two forms of skeletal diseases that weaken bones. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps to form and maintain strong bones.

If you liked this story, please follow MEDIAFAX.RO on FACEBOOK »

The content of mediafax.ro is for your information only. Republishing or using this content is forbidden without express consent of MEDIAFAX. For this consent, please ask for it by mail at vanzari@mediafax.ro.