Defects in Vials Spurs Recall of Cancer Drugs

Hospira, Inc., which is a leading supplier of infusion technologies and injectable drugs, released a statement that informed the US public about a former recall which was communicated at the user level. This drug recall was based on nineteen batches of methotrexate, paclitaxel, cytarabine and carboplatin in total. It was done after glass particles were seen embedded near the bottle’s neck. According to Hospira, these lodged particles could make contact with the product and contaminate the solution.

During circumstances where such particulate matter transfuses into the patient, potential patient injury can arise in which case medical intervention may be the only possible solution. The visible symptoms and signs include bruising, bleeding, itching, inflammation, chest pain, respiratory symptoms and rashes.

Hospira, further added, that no reports of any adverse reactions had been received as yet for the concerned batches which were recalled. Hospira thoroughly investigated into the matter and found that its supplier was the underlying root cause who had provided defected glass. Preventive and correction actions like drug recalls have been initiated and identified.

The product packaging is done in vials and these drugs are used as a treatment for various forms of cancer. Additionally, methotrexate can even be used to cure rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The products were distributed throughout the country to all the wholesalers as well as direct customers.

Hospira is making arrangement for drug recalls via the replacement and return of these cancer drugs. Formal letters pertaining to the recall were distributed in the US accompanied by a notification that was sent to safety organizations.

It is advised that any wholesaler or retailer who has stocked up on these drugs should immediately halt its distribution, quarantine these products and then call Stericycle to make arrangements for the product’s return.

The US market has been plagued with defective cancer drugs recently. Before the Hospira incident, many fake cancer drugs also made their way into the market. 120 vessels of counterfeit Avastin were shipped from Turkey through UK and were placed on pharmacists’ shelves in the United States.

A pattern of this malpractice of buying unapproved drugs from foreign suppliers has emerged and pharmaceuticals are selling these drugs at cheaper rates than the price set by the manufacturer in order to make profits. The World Health Organization claims that almost 50% of online purchased drugs have been proven to be phony and are bought from illegal sites.

Contact Missouri and Illinois Product Liability Attorneys

GET HELP IMMEDIATELY! If you feel that you or someone you love has been hurt by a defective product, contact the St. Louis product liability lawyers at Zevan and Davidson Law Firm today. Schedule a free consultation by calling (314) 588-7200.

photo credit: Arenamontanus