C.B. Fleet Company has recalled their over-the-counter drug, Phospho-Soda, which is used to cleanse the bowel prior to a colonoscopy. The product was recalled after a number of patients experienced adverse side effects, including destruction of the bowel. A number of plaintiffs have already filed suit with a New York City law firm
Fleet’s recall followed a safety warning issued by the FDA, which warned consumers against using over-the-counter laxatives, including Fleet’s, in preparation for a colonoscopy due to the risk of kidney damage. The FDA will now also require prescription bowel cleansers to carry a black box warning to address the risk of kidney damage.
The link between using Fleet’s product and kidney damage was first identified by New York doctors in 2003. The suit against Fleet alleges the company used a higher dosage of the active ingredient then allowed by the FDA.
