GSK reports theft of 25,600 Advair inhalers

UK drug major GSK says that two lots of its respiratory drug Advair Diskus have been stolen from a distribution facility in Richmond, Virginia in the US.

Advair, which is indicated for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis, is one of the world’s best selling medications, generating revenues of over $6bn (€4.1bn) a year.

The firm said that the medicines, which were stolen on August 2, “could represent a health risk because it has been removed from the legitimate supply chain and the storage conditions under which the stolen products were held are unknown.”

GSK went on to say that the stolen drugs, lots 9ZP2255 - NDC 0173-0696-00 and 9ZP3325 - NDC 0173-0697-00, should not be dispensed sold or used and encouraged patients to contact the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if they find the products.