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Brilliant Blue G Compounded by Franck's: Recall of Unapproved Drug - Ongoing Investigation of Fungal Endophthalmitis Cases

Audience: Ophthalmology, Risk Manager

[Posted 03/19/2012]

ISSUE: FDA has received reports of fungal endophthalmitis (eye infections) in patients who were given Brilliant Blue G (BBG), supplied by Franck's Pharmacy, during eye surgeries. Clinicians in several states reported the adverse events. FDA, along with CDC and local and state public health agencies, are actively investigating these adverse events.

BACKGROUND: The BBG was supplied by Franck’s Compounding Lab, Ocala, Florida. Franck’s Pharmacy issued a recall on March 9, 2012, of all lots of Brilliant Blue G and issued a recall letter (link below). Brilliant Blue G is not an approved drug in the U.S.

RECOMMENDATION: Immediately quarantine and return any remaining Brilliant Blue G product from Franck’s Compounding Lab. This includes all lots of Brilliant Blue G received from Franck’s.

FDA requests that practitioners report to MedWatch any cases of endophthalmitis, fungal or bacterial, that occurred within the last six months, associated with eye surgery in which Brilliant Blue G from any source was used.


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:

[03/19/2012 - Warning Statement - FDA]
[03/09/2012 - Recall Letter - Franck’s Pharmacy]

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