Aspen Pharmacare, in consultation with the TGA, has issued a recall for product correction of Span-K (potassium chloride) 600 mg tablets.

Span-K 600 mg tablets are used to provide extra potassium for people who have lost potassium from their bodies because of illness or treatment with certain medicines. Span-K is also used for people who do not have enough potassium in their regular diet or cannot replace the potassium they have lost from their diet alone.

Too much potassium can be harmful, so Span-K should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.

It has been identified that bottles of this medicine have been supplied without child-resistant caps.

Please note that there is no concern regarding the quality or safety of these medicines, other than the absence of child-resistant packaging.

To correct this issue, Aspen Australia has initiated a recall for product correction to replace all caps on bottles of Span-K 600 mg tablets, irrespective of batch number or expiry date.

Information for consumers

If you or someone you provide care for is taking Span-K 600 mg tablets, please return the medicine to a pharmacy so that the cap can be replaced with one that is child-resistant.

In the meantime, continue taking your medicine as prescribed.

You are reminded that all medicine should always be kept out of the reach of children, as stated on the product packaging.

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, contact your health professional or Aspen Pharmacare on 1300 659 646 (option 2).

NSW Poisons Information Centre advises consumers that Span-K has been recalled because the lids are not safe.

“Following a serious poisoning in a child who accessed potassium tablets we have been in discussions with the company and TGA to ensure further poisonings are prevented.

A recall has been issued for all Span-K to have lids replaced for child-resistant closures. If you or someone you know is taking Span-K please see your pharmacist about getting a new lid.

Even small amounts of Span-K can be very dangerous to a young child. These are sugar-coated tablets which look similar to lollies so can be quite tempting.”

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