Consumers and health professionals are advised that Aspen Pharmacare, in consultation with the TGA, has initiated a recall for product correction of Span-K (potassium chloride) 600 mg tablets.
Span-K 600 mg tablets are used to provide extra potassium for people who have lost potassium from their bodies because of illness or treatment with certain medicines. Span-K is also used for people who do not have enough potassium in their regular diet or cannot replace the potassium they have lost from their diet alone.
Too much potassium can be harmful, so Span-K should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
It has been identified that bottles of this medicine have been supplied without child-resistant caps.
Please note that there is no concern regarding the quality or safety of these medicines, other than the absence of child-resistant packaging.
To correct this issue, Aspen Australia has initiated a recall for product correction to replace all caps on bottles of Span-K 600 mg tablets, irrespective of batch number or expiry date.
Information for consumers
If you or someone you provide care for is taking Span-K 600 mg tablets, please return the medicine to a pharmacy so that the cap can be replaced with one that is child-resistant.
In the meantime, continue taking your medicine as prescribed.
You are reminded that all medicine should always be kept out of the reach of children, as stated on the product packaging.
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, contact your health professional or Aspen Pharmacare on 1300 659 646 (option 2).
Information for health professionals
Aspen Pharmacare has written to hospital and retail pharmacies providing further information about this issue.
Additionally, the sponsor has provided affected pharmacies a supply of suitable child resistant caps to be used in this recall for product correction at the point of dispensing.
If you are treating a patient who is taking Span-K 600 mg tablets, advise them of this issue. Instruct them to return their medicine to a pharmacy so that the cap can be replaced with one that is child-resistant.
Reassure patients that there is no other concern regarding the quality or safety of these medicines, but consider reminding them of the importance of keeping all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, contact Aspen Pharmacare on 1300 659 646 (option 2).
Reporting problems
Consumers and health professionals are encouraged to report problems with medicines or vaccines. Your report will contribute to the TGA’s monitoring of these products.
The TGA cannot give advice about an individual's medical condition. You are strongly encouraged to talk with a health professional if you are concerned about a possible adverse event associated with a medical device.