Hospira Lactated Ringer's And 5% Dextrose Injection, 1000 Ml, Flexible Containers: Recall - Mold Contamination

AUDIENCE: Pharmacy, Risk Manager

ISSUE: FDA and Hospira announced it is initiating a voluntary user-level recall of one lot of Lactated Ringer’s and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, 1000 mL, Flexible Container, NDC 0409-7929-09. This action is due to one confirmed customer report where a leak was identified in the primary container between the cobra cap and fill-tube seal and a spore-like structured particulate, consistent with mold, was noted in the solution.

When a primary container within an overwrap has a leak, there is an open pathway for contamination of the fluid. The overwrap is not sterile, and any fluid which may have leaked out may become trapped within the overwrap and has the potential to be reintroduced into the primary container. If contaminated solution is used on a patient, critical patient harm may result.  Injections of mold could potentially lead to septicemia (blood stream infections), which in a worst-case scenario may have the potential to progress to septic shock, which may be life threatening.  Signs and symptoms could include injection site reactions, fever, shortness of breath, fast heart rate and feeling generally ill with nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND: The impacted product is Lactated Ringer’s and 5% Dextrose Injection, USP, 1000 mL; NDC #0409-7929-09 Batch# 12-160-JT* Expiration Date 1DEC2013. Hospira has not received reports of any adverse events associated with this issue for this lot, and has not identified any quality issues with retention samples for this lot. This recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure.

RECOMMENDATION: Anyone with an existing inventory should stop use and distribution, quarantine the product immediately, and call Stericycle at 1-877-650-7688, between the hours of 8am and 5pm EST, Monday through Friday, to arrange for the return of the product. Replacement product from other lots is available.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm

Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[10/05/2012 - Recall - Firm Press Release]