Roche Australia recalls 5mg Valium, as police investigate medicine tampering

Police have confirmed they are investigating the theft of a quantity of Valium “over a period of time” at a business premises in Rydalmere, NSW.

“The alleged theft was reported to police on Friday, May 26, 2017,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

“No person has been charged in relation to the matter.”

EARLIER:

Evidence of medicine tampering has led to an Australia-wide recall of prescription-only Valium, with the matter now under investigation by police.

Roche, which manufactures the drug, is recalling all packs of 50 5mg Valium-branded diazepam tablets after packets were found to contain different drugs, including Codeine, Rosuvastatin and Pantoprazole.

“This recall is for Australia only,” a Roche Australia spokesman said. “There are no product quality concerns with individual Valium tablets.

“At this stage, Roche does not understand the extent of the tampering, thus all batches of Valium (diazepam) 5mg tablets have been recalled in the interest of patient safety.”

The recall was made following consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The Roche Australia spokesman told The Examiner NSW Police were investigating the alleged tampering.

The administration released a statement saying some blister pack sheets were found to contain substitutes.

“These medicines may include (but may not be limited to) BTC Paracetamol Codeine tablets, BTC Rosuvastatin 10mg tablets and Apotex-Pantoprazole 40mg tablets,” the statement said.

“If a patient has an affected pack, there is a risk that they will not have adequate supply of their medicine and could take the incorrect medicine, which could have serious health consequences.

“The issue is currently being investigated in conjunction with the relevant authorities.”

However, the statement said the tampering was not believed to be widespread.

“If you or someone you provide care for takes Valium 5mg tablets supplied in 50 tablet blister packs, do not take them and please promptly return any unused medicine to a pharmacy for a refund and to arrange alternative medicine (you may need to bring a valid prescription/repeat).

“If possible, you’re advised to return your Valium to the same pharmacy from which it was dispensed.”

Valium 5mg tablets contain diazepam, which is used to treat anxiety disorders, alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms.