Docusate Sodium Lawsuit

Liquid docusate sodium laxatives have been linked to an outbreak of B. cepacia infections. After one product was recalled, health experts warned against using any liquid docusate for any medical purpose.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting docusate sodium induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a B. cepacia infection, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Family Files Liquid Laxative Wrongful Death Lawsuit

October 2017 — PharmaTech LLC has been hit with a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a 2 year-old girl who developed an infection after being given Diocto Liquid laxative. The FDA has also issued an update to report that — yet again — laboratory findings found B. cepacia, bacteria, yeast, and mold in Rugby Diocto Liquid Laxative. Click here to read more.

Docusate Sodium Recalled Again

August 2017 — Rugby Laboratories has issued yet another recall for Diocto Liquid Stool Softener and Diocto Syrup after more bacterial infections with B. cepacia were reported. According to the FDA warning:

“If a product contains B. cepacia, its use could result in infections in patients with compromised immune systems and in patients with chronic lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis.”

Overview

Docusate sodium is a laxative that softens stools and treats occasional constipation. Liquid docusate is commonly given to hospitalized patients who are recovering from surgery or a heart attack, when straining to have a bowel movement would be dangerous.

Diocto Liquid Stool Softener Recall

PharmaTech LLC recalled Rugby® Diocto Liquid Stool Softener in July 2016 after it was linked to an outbreak of infections. Two unopened bottle of the product tested positive for the the bacteria B. cepacia, according to the FDA. Other brands of liquid docusate sodium were also linked to adverse events.

Laxatives Linked to Infection Outbreak

The outbreak has infected at least 60 people in eight states who were given liquid docusate sodium. Most of the victims were patients on mechanical ventilators in the intensive care unit, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

B. Cepacia Infections

Burkholderia cepacia is a gram-negative bacteria that is common in soil and moist environments. Infections in healthy adults are very rare. It mostly causes opportunistic infections in very sick people, especially those who use mechanical ventilators or catheters. Infections have a 42% mortality-rate because they innately resist antibiotics.

What Do Experts Recommend?

The FDA and CDC recommend against using any liquid docusate sodium product in any patients for any medical purpose. Oral tablets and enemas are not affected. According to the FDA:

“Using these products in a patient whose immune system is compromised could result in infections, which may be life-threatening.”

List of Docusate Sodium Products

Aqualax
Calube
Colace
Colace Micro-Enema
Correctol Softgel Extra Gentle
DC-240
Dialose
Diocto
Dioctocal
Dioctosoftez
Dioctyn
Dionex
Doc-Q-Lace
Docu Soft
Docucal
Doculax
Docusoft S
DOK
DOS
Doss-Relief
DSS
Dulcolax – Stool Softener (not to be confused with another drug marketed under the Dulcolax brand, bisacodyl, which is a stimulant laxative)
Ex-Lax Stool Softener
Fleet Sof-Lax
Genasoft
Kasof
Laxa-basic
Modane Soft
Octycine-100
Pedia-Lax
Preferred Plus Pharmacy Stool Softener
Regulax SS
Sulfalax Calcium
Sur-Q-Lax
Surfak Stool Softener
Therevac-SB.

Do I have a Docusate Sodium Lawsuit?

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