J&J Unit Recalls Topamax Lots Over Smell

A division of Johnson & Johnson recalls approximately 57,000 bottles of Topamax after reports of an uncharacteristic odor.

The Ortho-McNeil Neurologics Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (itself a division of Johnson & Johnson) is voluntarily recalling two lots of Topamax (topiramate) 100mg Tablets. The recall includes approximately 57,000 bottles of Topamax, but the company believes there are fewer than 6,000 bottles remaining in the marketplace.

The two lots were shipped between 10/19/2010 and 12/28/2010, and distributed in the U.S. and PR.

The recall follows four consumer reports of an uncharacteristic odor, thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA (2,4,6 tribromoanisole), a byproduct of a chemical preservative sometimes applied to wood used for storage pallets.