Contamination Risk Prompts Recall of Teva’s Novo-Gesic Forte Tablets

Health Canada has issued a public advisory after Teva Canada Limited recalled one lot of Novo-Gesic Forte 500 mg (acetaminophen) tablets over concerns that the product may contain foreign material. The affected caplets were distributed nationally to pharmacies in 1,000-count bottles before being dispensed to patients in smaller quantities, meaning the recall could reach households across the country.

The advisory, published on September 10, 2026, warns that the non-prescription pain reliever may be contaminated with phenolic resin or epoxy. If ingested, these substances could cause injury to the digestive system, prompting Health Canada to urge anyone with the affected lot to stop using it right away.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

The recall covers a single lot of Novo-Gesic Forte 500 mg (acetaminophen) tablets, identified by DIN 00482323. The affected lot number is 100083040, with an expiry date of January 31, 2029. The product was supplied to pharmacies nationwide, and because it was repackaged into smaller quantities for individual patients, consumers may not immediately recognize the original bottle or lot information on their own supply.

Why Was This Recall Issued?

According to Health Canada, the tablets may contain phenolic resin or epoxy, materials that are not meant to be part of the finished drug product. Ingesting these substances raises the risk of injury to the digestive system. Teva Canada Limited, the manufacturer, initiated the recall after identifying the potential contamination issue, and Health Canada says it is monitoring both the recall itself and the company’s preventative and corrective actions going forward.

The agency has also indicated that if additional safety concerns emerge during its review, it will take further action and update Canadians accordingly. No additional details about how the contamination may have occurred were included in the public advisory.

Who Is Affected?

Because Novo-Gesic Forte 500 mg was distributed to pharmacies across Canada, the recall has national reach. Patients who received the acetaminophen tablets from a pharmacy in smaller quantities — rather than directly from the original 1,000-count bottle — may be unaware their product falls under the affected lot. Anyone uncertain about whether their tablets are part of the recall is advised to check directly with the pharmacy where the product was purchased.

What Should You Do?

• Immediately stop using the affected Novo-Gesic Forte 500 mg tablets.
• Return the product to the pharmacy where it was purchased for a replacement and proper disposal.
• If you are unsure whether your product is part of the recalled lot, check with your pharmacy directly.
• Consult a healthcare practitioner if you have used the product and have health concerns.
• Contact Teva Canada Customer Care toll-free at 1-800-268-4129 or by email at customer.service@tevacanada.com with any questions.
• Report any side effects or complaints related to the product to Health Canada.

Official Statement

In its public advisory, Health Canada stated that Teva Canada Limited ‘is recalling one lot of the non-prescription drug Novo-Gesic Forte 500 mg (acetaminophen) due to the potential presence of phenolic resin or epoxy which, if ingested, may cause injury to the digestive system.’ The agency added that it ‘is monitoring the recall and the company’s preventative and corrective actions,’ and pledged to inform Canadians of any further developments.

The recall was published under identification number RA-82615. Consumers with additional questions can reach Teva Canada’s Medical Affairs and Drug Information team at 30 Novopharm Court, Toronto, Ontario, or by email at druginfo@tevacanada.com. Health Canada’s media line can be reached at 613-957-2983, while public inquiries can be directed to 613-957-2991 or toll-free at 1-866-225-0709.