Family Dollar recalls over-the-counter drugs in Utah, 22 other states

Krysyan Edler
·2 min read
Family Dollar has recalled over the counter drugs in 23 states.
Family Dollar has recalled over the counter drugs in 23 states. | Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press

Family Dollar issued a voluntary recall of several over-the-counter drugs and medical devices sold in stores across the country, including Utah.

On Thursday, the company said the products were stored outside of the required temperatures included on the products’ labels and were then distributed to various Family Dollar stores, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Family Dollar has not received reports of illnesses or consumer complaints in regards to the recalled products but is conducting the recall “out of an abundance of caution,” the FDA said.

What products were recalled?

In its recall announcement, the FDA included an eight-page list of recalled products. The list includes the products’ description and SKU number.

Some of the products include toothpaste, cold and flu medicine, pregnancy tests, sleep aids and pain relievers. Affected brands include Crest, Colgate, NyQuil, Tylenol, Advil and Swan.

The products were sold in stores between June 1 and Oct. 4.

In what states were the recalled products sold?

The FDA did not specify which recalled products were sold in which state, but the recall affects the following 23 states:

  • Alabama.

  • Arkansas.

  • Arizona.

  • California.

  • Colorado.

  • Florida.

  • Georgia.

  • Idaho.

  • Kansas.

  • Louisiana.

  • Mississippi.

  • Montana.

  • North Dakota.

  • Nebraska.

  • New Mexico.

  • Nevada.

  • Oklahoma.

  • Oregon.

  • South Dakota.

  • Texas.

  • Utah.

  • Washington.

  • Wyoming.

What Utah Family Dollar stores sold the recalled products?

Family Dollar has almost 60 stores in over 50 Utah cities, according to Family Dollar. In its recall announcement, the FDA did not specify which Family Dollar locations sold the recalled products.

The best way to determine if you purchased a recalled product would be to refer to the products and corresponding SKU numbers, on the list of recalled products.

What to do with recalled products

The FDA recommends consumers stop using the recalled products. Consumers can return products to their local Family Dollar with or without a receipt.

Why does medicine have to be stored at certain temperatures?

Medications should be stored at the temperatures listed on their product label. Storing medicine at an improper temperature can “potentially lead to loss of potency or even reduce the effectiveness of the medication,” according to Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center.

This applies to both prescription and over-the-counter medications, but most over-the-counter “products are dosage forms that are less likely to be impacted by temperatures,” the center said.

Humidity can affect medications, too. Amanda Savage, an assistant professor at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, told Today.com that consumers should avoid storing medications in their bathrooms due to temperatures and humidity fluctuating.