The 19,000-bottle recall covers a batch of 40-milligram tablets, which Pfizer officials say were supplied by an outside manufacturer.
"Pfizer has a very rigorous quality and compliance program that includes a highly sensitive surveillance system, which has enabled Pfizer to quickly detect and respond to the odor-related issue," the company said in a statement. "Our market actions reflect the rigor of our quality control system and a commitment to act rapidly and in the best interest of our customers."
According to reports, the supposed culprit is a chemical called tribromoanisole, or TBA, often used as a wood preservative. Although Pfizer prohibits TBA to be used during the transport of its goods, the chemical is commonly applied to wooden pallets used to ship and store products.
This marks the fourth odor-related Lipitor recall since August:
- August -- In its first odor incident, Pfizer withdraws 140,000 Lipitor bottles from the market.
- Oct. 8 -- The company recalls 191,000 Lipitor bottles due to similar moldy odor complaints relating to TBA.
- Oct. 29 --The company once again recalls 38,000 bottles of 40-milligram Lipitor.