Johnson & Johnson Recalls Epilepsy Drug Amidst Reports of Foul Odor

Nearly 60,000 bottles of Johnson & Johnson's epilepsy drug Topamax were recalled Thursday, following consumer complaints of a foul odor. The healthcare giant received four reports of an odor believed to be caused by the chemical TBA, or tribromoanisole, according to a company statement. TBA, which is not considered toxic, is a byproduct of a preservative applied to shipping pallets. No serious health problems were associated with the recall, the company said, though the odor can cause temporary gastrointestinal symptoms. People taking Topamax—which is prescribed as an anti-seizure medication for epilepsy and to prevent migraine headaches—should return the pills to their pharmacy if they notice a strange odor. The recall is the latest in a string of manufacturing problems for Johnson & Johnson: Over the past 15 months, the company has recalled more than 300 million bottles and packages of children's and adult medications.