Small Particles in Glass Vials Lead to Big Recall for Hospira

Responsible for a line of over 1,000 injectable medicines, Hospira Inc. towers over competitors as the largest manufacturer of syringe products worldwide. However, Hospira may be in the spotlight for a more trivial situation as investigators found tiny particles in glass vials used with Hospira products. On July 13, 2012, Hospira issued a recall of 19 lots including products ranging from psoriasis treatments to chemotherapy drugs.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the particles could be a huge risk for patients using these products as they could mix with the solution and become injected into the patient. Although no serious incidents have been reported, the FDA cautions all to be aware of the issue.

If you are using any injections or Hospira products, make sure the product has not been affected by the recall; if you have already used a product that has been contaminated and you are having serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. Patients injected with affected products could suffer from unusual bleeding, bruising, swelling, itchy or red skin, chest pain or tension, and difficulty breathing.

As with all injection products, check for any foreign objects in the solution or syringe before using the medicine. If you notice any strange particles or objects, do not use the product. To learn more about which lots were affected by the recall see the FDA website at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm311971.htm and report any serious problems you may have.

Anyone in possession of the recalled products should immediately stop use and distribution and call Stericycle (888.628.0734) to arrange a return of the product. To order replacement product, contact Hospira Customer Care at (877.976.7747).