Fleet Phospho Soda® Warnings & Recall
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On December 12, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public that Fleet Phospho Soda®, a bowel cleansing medication, carries the risk of causing some severe side effects, including severe kidney damage and arrhythmia.
While the FDA did not specifically recall any Fleet Phospho Soda® products when it issued this warning, it did mandate that C.B. Fleet (the maker of Fleet Phospho Soda®):
- Include “black box” warnings on all Fleet Phospho Soda® packaging (Black box warnings are the most severe form of FDA warning because they indicate that a medication may cause serious injury and/or death.)
- Distribute literature regarding possible Fleet Phospho Soda® side effects to all patients taking this medication
- Conduct further clinical trials to more fully evaluate the extent of Fleet Phospho Soda® side effects
Following this national FDA warning, C.B. Fleet voluntarily recalled all over-the-counter Fleet Phospho Soda® products from the market. Currently, Fleet Phospho Soda® tablets and liquid are only available via doctor prescription.
Fleet Phospho Soda® Uses
Fleet Phospho Soda® (generically known as sodium phosphate) is a laxative medication used to cleanse the bowels prior to a colonoscopy, surgery or other medical procedures. When taking Fleet Phospho Soda®, patients should be sure to stay hydrated, as dehydration can increase the risk of developing kidney problems.
Like other medications that carry black box warnings, Fleet Phospho Soda® should only be taken as directed.
Additionally, it's important to note that patients should NOT take Fleet Phospho Soda® if they have already used this bowel cleanser within the past 7 days, as overdosing on Fleet Phospho Soda® increases the potential for severe side effects.
Severe Fleet Phospho Soda® Side Effects
Serious side effects of Fleet Phospho Soda® are rare. However, when they do arise, they may include:
- acute phosphate nephropathy (a severe form of kidney damage)
- arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- rectal bleeding
- renal (kidney) failure
- seizures
- severe allergic reaction
Indications that patients may be developing severe Fleet Phospho Soda® side effects include:
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- changes in heart rate (either increased or decreased heart rate)
- confusion
- decreased urine production
- diarrhea
- difficulty breathing
- lack of appetite
- lethargy
- nausea and/or vomiting
- problems urinating
- skin rash and/or hives
- irregular swelling
Upon developing any combination of the above symptoms, patients should seek emergency medical attention to prevent further health complications and to save their lives.
Compensation for Fleet Phospho Soda® Injuries
Following a severe Fleet Phospho Soda® injury and the appropriate treatments, injured patients should consult an experienced defective drug attorney to find out whether they have a legal claim against C.B. Fleet, get expert advice regarding the best manner in which to pursue their claim, and secure aggressive, professional representation for future legal proceedings.
To encourage injured parties to learn more about their legal rights, Fleet Phospho Soda® attorneys offer initial consultations for free. Additionally, they will delay payment for their services until – or unless – the case is won.
If You Have Been Injured by Fleet Phospho Soda®
Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Fleet Phospho Soda®? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Fleet Phospho Soda® attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.

