OTC brand name product extensions continue to cause confusion

March 2007

Please see updated information from the FDA regarding Maalox

OTC brand name product extensions continue to cause confusion... and possible patient harm.

A pharmacist suggested "Maalox" for her grandfather for an upset stomach. But he got one of the Maalox brand extensions...not knowing the new formulation contained bismuth subsalicylate.

The patient then had black stools, causing great concern about a GI bleed, because he was also on aspirin and a low-molecular-weight heparin.

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OTC brand name product extensions continue to cause confusion

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