What Defines a 'Taro Pill'?
A "Taro pill" is a colloquial term for a medication manufactured by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, a multinational company specializing in generic and proprietary drugs. Unlike a branded medication with a singular identity, the term can refer to any of the company's hundreds of product lines, which range from dermatological creams to oral tablets. The only way to know the exact medication is to properly identify the pill using its unique imprint code, color, and shape, in conjunction with the manufacturer's name.
The Importance of Pill Identification
Properly identifying any medication is critical for patient safety. It ensures you are taking the correct drug, at the right dosage, and for the right condition. If you find a loose pill with the imprint "TARO," it is not enough information to know what it is. For example, the company produces several drugs for neurological conditions, and mixing them up could have serious consequences. Always use a reliable pill identifier database and, if possible, consult a pharmacist or doctor to confirm the medication.
Examples of Medications with a 'TARO' Imprint
Taro Pharmaceuticals manufactures a diverse portfolio of drugs. Some well-documented examples include:
- TARO LMT 200: These are blue, round tablets containing 200 mg of Lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
- TARO 11: These are white, round tablets of Carbamazepine 200 mg, an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication.
- TARO PHN 100: These are orange, capsule-shaped tablets of Phenytoin Sodium Extended 100 mg, used for treating and preventing seizures.
- TARO ABC: These are blue, oblong capsules containing a combination of Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine, primarily used for headache relief.
Product Recalls and Company History
Like many large pharmaceutical manufacturers, Taro has faced quality and compliance issues. In January 2020, Taro Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled one lot of Lamotrigine tablets after they were inadvertently cross-contaminated with Enalapril maleate, a drug for high blood pressure. The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type, due to the risk of birth defects from Enalapril exposure in pregnant women. A separate Class I recall occurred in March 2020 for Phenytoin Oral Suspension due to potential under- or overdosing caused by product not mixing properly. The company has also been involved in price-fixing lawsuits, resulting in significant settlements with the Department of Justice and investor groups.
Taro's Diverse Portfolio: A Comparison
| Pill Imprint | Active Ingredient | Drug Class | Condition Treated | Dosage Form | Potential Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TARO LMT 200 | Lamotrigine 200 mg | Triazine anticonvulsant | Bipolar Disorder, Epilepsy | Tablet | Skin rash, allergic reactions |
| TARO 11 | Carbamazepine 200 mg | Dibenzazepine anticonvulsant | Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Trigeminal Neuralgia | Tablet | Blood cell changes, dizziness |
| TARO PHN 100 | Phenytoin Sodium Ext 100 mg | Hydantoin anticonvulsant | Seizures | Capsule | Gum overgrowth, bone density issues |
| TARO ABC | Acetaminophen 300 mg, Butalbital 50 mg, Caffeine 40 mg | Analgesic combination | Tension Headache | Capsule | Sedation, liver damage with overdose |
| TARO 16 | Carbamazepine 100 mg (Chewable) | Dibenzazepine anticonvulsant | Epilepsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia | Tablet (chewable) | Drowsiness, coordination problems |
The Takeaway for Consumers
The most important lesson for anyone encountering a 'Taro pill' is to treat it with the same caution as any unidentified medication. Do not assume its purpose based solely on the manufacturer's name. Always use a reliable drug identification tool with the full imprint code, and if there is any doubt, consult a healthcare professional. Taro's history of recalls and legal issues, while not affecting all products, underscores the importance of verifying your medication and understanding its specific risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a "Taro pill" is not a specific drug but a medication produced by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries. The diverse range of medications manufactured by the company means that identifying a drug requires matching the complete imprint code to a verified database, such as the one found on Drugs.com. Understanding the manufacturer and product history, including any recalls, is a crucial step in ensuring safe and effective medication use. For accurate information on any specific medication, always rely on the full imprint code and consult a healthcare professional.
For more information on the various medications produced by Taro, including detailed drug images and reviews, you can consult resources like the Drugs.com Taro pill identifier page.
