20-Jul-12 3:00 PM CST

Hospira, Inc, Recalls Certain Lots of Cancer Drugs

Hospira, Inc has recalled certain lots of some injectable cancer drugs. The FDA issued a release stating that a total of 19 lots of carboplatin, cytarabine, paclitaxel, and methotrexate in the U.S. are being recalled due to visible particles embedded in the glass located at the neck of the vial.

There is a potential problem for the cancer drug to come in contact with the visible particles. In addition, the possibility is also there for the particles to become dislodged into the solution and this can cause patient injury and harm. Signs and symptoms of patient injury are bleeding, bruising, inflammation, rash, itching, chest pain, and respiratory problems.

Pharmacy technicians should note that the products are shipped in vials and a recall letter was issued on June 27^th, 2012. Hospira, Inc, distributed the cancer drugs nationwide to wholesalers and direct customers.

Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians with existing inventory in the United States should discontinue using the product and cease distribution of the vials. Healthcare providers should call Stericycle at 1-888-628-0734 from the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday to call for the arrangement of the return of the product. Those customers in the United States should call the Hospira Customer Care Line at 1-877-976-7747 to order replacement products. This can be done from the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sources:

1. Corbett, Jennifer. “Hospira Recalls Some Cancer Medicines.” WJS. Web. 20 July 2012.

2. Rosenberg, Dan. “Hospira Announces a Nationwide Recall of Certain Lots of Injectable Carboplatin, Cytarabine, Paclitaxel, and Methotrexate Due to Glass Vial Defect.” FDA. Web. 20 July 2012.