Hospira’s Painful Hydromorphone Hydrochloride Recall

Doctors prescribe opiod medications to patients for reducing serious pain for a countless amount of reasons. From relieving pains from a surgery to decreasing persistent pain from injuries, narcotic medicines can work wonders. However, overdosing on these medicines can be serious and even fatal, which is why Hospira has voluntarily recalled certain lots of hydromorphone hydrochloride that had been filled with too much medicine.

As of May 12, 2012, Hospira has issued a recall of hydromorphone injection 1 mL fill in 2.5 mL Carpuject™ to prevent accidental overdose of the medicine. According to the manufacturers, patients had reported two incidents in which these syringes were filled with more than the specified dosage. No adverse reactions are known to have occurred from this error; however, it is advised that all patients using hydromorphone hydrochloride read their medicine labels and dosage amount, and check to be sure that their product has not been affected in the recall.

Recalled products include hydromorphone hydrochloride injections from lot 07547LL that had been distributed between September and October of 2011. This medicine has an expiration date of July 13, 2011.

All patients should be aware that using any recalled product poses dangerous risks. An overdose of hydromorphone hydrochloride may result in suppressed respiratory functions, a decrease in blood pressure, or a reduced heart rate which could cause a cardiac collapse. If you suspect that you have a product that has been recalled, follow FDA recommended procedures by ending use of the medicine and calling Stericycle at 1-888-912-7093. From here, the product may be returned and replaced with a qualified, safe product.

Remember that it is never safe to use a product that has been recalled. Stay informed through bad-drug for more news and information on drug safety.