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Nearly 600,000 Asthma Inhalers Recalled By GSK

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Nearly 600,000 asthma inhalers in the United States have been recalled.

An FDA document indicates the reason for the recall is a "defective delivery system" due to a leak in the Ventolin inhalers. Reuters reports drugmaker GSK is trying to figure out what caused the problem, and is pulling the inhalers from hospitals, pharmacies, retailers and wholesalers.

The recalled inhalers have a lot number of 6ZP9848, 6ZP0003 or 6ZP9944 and expire in March or April of 2018.

"Though the overall benefit-risk assessment for Ventolin® HFA 200D Inhaler when used at prescribed doses remains favourable, in this situation, there is possible risk to patients of experiencing diminished bronchodilation in the setting of acute bronchospasm if reliant on a rescue inhaler that could potentially not deliver the stated number of actuations," GSK said in a statement posted on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website.

Patients using the inhalers are not in any danger, so there is no need to return the recalled product.

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