Company recalls prescription drugs
A New Jersey company is asking pharmacists and hospitals to return all prescription drugs made at one of its facilities because it did not pass health authorities’ standards.
A Food and Drug Administration inspection at the Little Falls facility of Actavis Totowa LLC “revealed operations which did not meet the FDA’s or Actavis’ standards for good manufacturing practices,” according to a company statement issued Friday.
The recall, only on the pharmacy and retail level, includes about 65 prescription drugs, such as painkillers, antidepressants, diet medication and drugs for blood pressure and hypertension.
Only pharmacies and hospitals should return the prescription drugs.
The company said that suddenly stopping needed medication before obtaining replacement drugs may place patients at risk. For more information, consumers can visit www.actavis.us/en/ media+center/newsroom/ articles/RecallFAQ.htm.
MINNEAPOLIS
Service marks year after bridge’s fall
Buddhist monks chanted, American Indians pounded drums, and Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Greek Orthodox and Catholic leaders offered prayers and Scripture Friday, reflecting the religious backgrounds of those who died a year ago when the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed during the evening rush hour.
The interfaith service at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis drew about 1,000 people, from bridge collapse victims to top state officials. People bowed their heads and shut their eyes, remembering and grieving.
The heavily traveled bridge over the Mississippi River collapsed Aug. 1, 2007, killing 13 people and injuring 145. Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck said the tragedy touched people around the world, raising basic questions about bridges and their safety. “We all cross bridges, and I’m not talking about metaphors,” Dyck said.
NEW ORLEANS
Judge removed from Jena Six case
The judge overseeing the criminal cases for the remaining Jena Six defendants was removed Friday.
Judge J.P. Mauffray Jr. had acknowledged calling the teens “trouble makers” and “a violent bunch” but insisted he could be impartial. Defense attorneys disagreed and asked that he be removed.
Judge Thomas M. Yeager, appointed by the state Supreme Court to decide whether Mauffray should be taken off the case, found there was an appearance of impropriety.
Six black teens were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with a 2006 attack on fellow Jena High School student Justin Barker, who is white. The charges were later reduced.