Million Albuterol Inhalation Doses Stolen

Cheryl A. Thompson

BETHESDA, MD 11 August 2009—FDA announced last night that 35,760 30-vial cartons of albuterol sulfate inhalation solution by Dey had been stolen in a cargo theft that occurred on approximately August 5.

According to the agency, all the stolen cartons were from lots 9G01 and 9FE2.

Each carton contained 30 3-mL unit dose vials of the 0.083% drug solution, which is administered by nebulization to relieve bronchospasm.

FDA said no carton from either lot had previously been distributed.

Therefore, the agency said, no carton or vial from lots 9G01 and 9FE2 is part of the legitimate pharmaceutical supply chain. Pharmacies and drug distributors that receive offers for these stolen drug products should report this information to FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations at 800-551-3989 or www.fda.gov/ICECI/CriminalInvestigations/ucm123025.htm.