Doliprane Recall: Pipette Printing Defect Prompts Nationwide Action in France

Parents in France are being urged to check their supply of Doliprane 2.4% oral suspension following a recall of 27 batches due to a potential printing defect affecting the graduated pipettes used for dosage. The recall, announced on February 23, 2026, by Opella Healthcare France in agreement with the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM), aims to prevent accidental overdoses in children.

What’s the Problem?

The issue lies with the graduations on the pipettes, which may fade, particularly after rinsing with warm or hot water. This makes it difficult to accurately measure the correct dose of paracetamol, a common medication used to relieve fever and discomfort in children. According to the ANSM, paracetamol is frequently involved in dosing errors in children .

Why is Accurate Dosage Critical?

Accidental paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of drug poisoning in children under six years old, as reported by the French Pediatric Society (SFP). Paracetamol is metabolized by the liver, and exceeding the recommended dose – 15 mg/kg per dose, up to four times daily with a minimum of six hours between doses (as per the High Authority for Health, HAS, 2023) – can cause liver damage.

Which Batches are Affected?

The following batches of Doliprane 2.4% are subject to the recall:

• L033
• L034
• L035
• L036
• L037
• L038
• L039
• L040
• L041
• L042
• L043
• L044
• L045
• L046
• L047
• L048
• L049
• L050
• L051
• L053
• L054
• L055
• L056
• L057
• L058
• L061
• L062

These batches were marketed between November 2025 and February 2026 and have an expiration date between August and October 2027. Parents should check the lot number on the packaging.

What Should Parents Do?

• If your bottle is recalled: Do not use the provided pipette, even if the markings appear visible. Do not substitute it with a pipette from another medication, as graduations vary. Return the bottle to a pharmacy for a free exchange.
• If you suspect an overdose: Monitor the child for symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, or irritability. Contact a healthcare professional or the Poison Control and Toxicovigilance Centers (CAPTV) immediately.
• If your bottle is not affected: It can be used normally.

Are There Alternatives to the Pipette?

For those seeking alternatives, paracetamol for children is as well available in sachets, effervescent tablets, and formulations specifically designed for infants.

Supply Concerns?

The laboratory has corrected the printing issue at the manufacturing site, and the ANSM assures that this recall will not lead to a shortage of Doliprane. Unlike recent shortages of other pediatric medications, paracetamol supply remains stable .

Recent Paracetamol Regulations

In December 2024, France implemented new regulations requiring prescriptions for certain cold medications containing pseudoephedrine due to potential serious side effects, including stroke and myocardial infarction .