Depopred FDA Alerts
The FDA Alerts below may be specifically about Depopred or relate to a group or class of drugs which include Depopred.
MedWatch Safety Alerts are distributed by the FDA and published by Drugs.com. Following is a list of possible medication recalls, market withdrawals, alerts and warnings.
Recent FDA Alerts for Depopred
Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection 40mg, 125mg, and 1g by Sagent Pharmaceuticals: Recall - High Out of Specification Impurity Results
ISSUE: Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the voluntary nationwide recall of ten lots of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP, 40mg, 125mg, and 1g. A detailed listing of products and lots is listed in the recall notice. These products were manufactured by Gland Pharma Ltd. and distributed by Sagent Pharmaceuticals. Sagent has initiated this voluntary recall of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP to the user level due to the discovery of high out of specification impurity results detected during routine quality testing of stability samples for two lots. This impurity has not yet been identified.
An elevated impurity has the potential to decrease effectiveness of the product in patients. To date, Sagent is not aware of any adverse patient events resulting from the use of the subject product lots.
BACKGROUND: Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP is an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid indicated for a number of conditions, including but not limited to: allergic states, dermatologic diseases, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, hematologic disorders, miscellaneous (trichinosis with neurologic or myocardial involvement, tuberculous meningitis with subarachnoid block or impending block when used concurrently with appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy), neoplastic diseases, nervous system, ophthalmic diseases, renal diseases, respiratory diseases, and rheumatic disorders. The product is supplied in 5 ml, 10 ml, and 30 ml glass tubular vials. The lot numbers being recalled were distributed to hospitals, wholesalers and distributors nationwide from April 2017 through February 2018.
RECOMMENDATION: Customers are being notified by fax, email, FedEx, and/or certified mail that includes arrangements for return of all recalled product. Customers have been instructed to examine their inventory immediately and to quarantine, discontinue distribution of and return the recalled lot of product. Customers who may have further distributed this product have been requested to identify their customers and notify them at once of this product recall. The necessary form by which to document this information as well as other information regarding this recall is available at www.Sagentpharma.com.
Customers or consumers with any questions about returning unused product should be directed to the customer call center at (866) 625-1618 M-F 8am-7pm CST. Healthcare workers who have medical questions about Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate for Injection, USP may contact Medical Affairs (866-625-1618, Option 3) M-F 8am-5pm CST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
[03/05/2018 - Recall Notice - Sagent Pharmaceuticals]
Epidural Corticosteroid Injection: Drug Safety Communication - Risk of Rare But Serious Neurologic Problems
Including methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, and dexamethasone
[Posted 04/23/2014]
ISSUE: FDA is warning that injection of corticosteroids into the epidural space of the spine may result in rare but serious adverse events, including loss of vision, stroke, paralysis, and death. The injections are given to treat neck and back pain, and radiating pain in the arms and legs. The effectiveness and safety of epidural administration of corticosteroids have not been established, and FDA has not approved corticosteroids for this use.
FDA is requiring the addition of a Warning to the drug labels of injectable corticosteroids to describe these risks.
BACKGROUND: To raise awareness of the risks of epidural corticosteroid injections in the medical community, FDA’s Safe Use Initiative convened a panel of experts, including pain management experts to help define the techniques for such injections which would reduce preventable harm. The expert panel’s recommendations will be released when they are finalized. FDA will convene an Advisory Committee meeting of external experts in late 2014 to discuss the benefits and risks of epidural corticosteroid injections and to determine if further FDA actions are needed.
RECOMMENDATION: Patients should discuss the benefits and risks of epidural corticosteroid injections with their health care professionals, along with the benefits and risks associated with other possible treatments. See the Drug Safety Communication for a Data Summary and additional information for both patients and healthcare professionals.
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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
[04/23/2014 - Drug Safety Communication - FDA]
Main Street Family Pharmacy in Tennessee: FDA Alerts Health Care Providers of Adverse Reactions Associated with Steroid Injections
[UPDATE 06/13/2013] FDA identified the specific bacterial and fungal growth in samples from two unopened vials of preservative-free (PF) methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) 80 mg/mL, 10mL vials. See the 06/13/2013 link below for lot numbers and microbial identification information.
6/13/2013 Update on Main Street Family Pharmacy Products
[UPDATE 06/07/2013] FDA has identified bacterial and fungal growth in samples from two unopened vials of preservative-free (PF) methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) 80 mg/mL, 10mL vials form Main Street Family Pharmacy. The microbial growth was seen in samples from two separate lots (batches). Additional samples and lots of PF MPA are still under evaluation, as well as other sterile products produced by Main Street. FDA, in partnership with CDC, is working to identify the exact species of fungus and bacteria observed in the vials. FDA has received reports of adverse events, including skin and soft tissue abscesses. To date, FDA is not aware of any cases of meningitis associated with Main Street’s preservative free methylprednisolone acetate for injection.
The FDA asks health care providers and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with this or any Main Street products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
- Complete and submit the report online at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178
[UPDATE 05/28/2013] Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC has announced a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of all sterile products compounded by the pharmacy. The compounded products that are subject to the recall are those with a use by date on or before November 20, 2013. The recall is being initiated due to seven (7) reported cases of adverse events in the form of skin abscesses, one of which appears to be fungal in nature. An investigation into the exact source of the adverse events is still ongoing.
These products were supplied to the offices of licensed medical professionals and patients. Sterile products included in this withdrawal were distributed nationwide.
Refer to the Firm Press Release for the list of products being recalled.
[Posted 05/24/2013]
ISSUE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tennessee Board of Pharmacy to investigate reports of seven adverse events associated with steroid injections compounded by Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC (Main Street) of Newbern, Tenn. The reports of adverse events are all from patients who received preservative free methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg/mL) by injection. To date, the FDA has received seven reports. Clinical information about these patients is pending; at least one of these infections appears to be fungal in nature.
BACKGROUND: An investigation into the exact source of these adverse events is still ongoing, but these cases are associated with a potentially contaminated medication. As part of the ongoing investigation, the FDA will continue to work closely with the CDC and state authorities to thoroughly review the sterile practices at Main Street.
RECOMMENDATION: Out of an abundance of caution, the FDA recommends that health care providers not administer any products labeled as sterile from Main Street and quarantine them until further guidance is provided.
The FDA asks health care providers and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of any Main Street products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
- Complete and submit the report online at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178
[06/06/2013 - Update on Main Street Family Pharmacy Products - FDA
[05/30/2013 - Multistate Outbreak of Infections Following Steroid Injections - CDC]
[05/28/2013 - Firm Press Release - Main Street Family Pharmacy]
[05/24/2013 - Press Release - FDA]
Olympia Pharmacy Sterile Compounded Products: Recall - Concerns About Sterility Assurance
[Posted 05/30/2013]
ISSUE: Lowlite Investments d/b/a Olympia Pharmacy ("Lowlite") notified the public of a voluntary multi-state recall of all sterile drug products compounded by the pharmacy that have not reached the expiration date listed on the product. The recall is being initiated due to concerns associated with prior quality control procedures that impacted sterility assurance. In the event a sterile product is compromised patients are at risk for serious and possible life threatening infections.
The recall includes all sterile products that Olympia Pharmacy supplied to patients and offices of licensed medical professionals with a use by date of 09/25/2013 or earlier. Olympia Pharmacy will be notifying customers by phone, fax, or mail to return the products to the pharmacy.
BACKGROUND: To date, Lowlite has received no reports of injury or illness associated with the use of the affected products.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers or health care providers with questions regarding this recall may contact Lowlite by phone at 888-323-7788 or 407-673-2222 from the hours of 9:00AM- 6:00PM Eastern Daylight Time Monday through Friday, or at the following e-mail address: Brian@olympiapharmacy.com. Patients who have received any product furnished by Lowlite and have concerns should contact their healthcare provider.
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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
[05/30/2013 - Press Release - Olympia Pharmacy]
[05/30/2013 - Recalled Product List - Olympia Pharmacy]
Main Street Family Pharmacy in Tennessee: FDA Alerts Health Care Providers of Adverse Reactions Associated with Steroid Injections
ISSUE: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tennessee Board of Pharmacy to investigate reports of seven adverse events associated with steroid injections compounded by Main Street Family Pharmacy, LLC (Main Street) of Newbern, Tenn. The reports of adverse events are all from patients who received preservative free methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg/mL) by injection. To date, the FDA has received seven reports. Clinical information about these patients is pending; at least one of these infections appears to be fungal in nature.
BACKGROUND: An investigation into the exact source of these adverse events is still ongoing, but these cases are associated with a potentially contaminated medication. As part of the ongoing investigation, the FDA will continue to work closely with the CDC and state authorities to thoroughly review the sterile practices at Main Street.
RECOMMENDATION: Out of an abundance of caution, the FDA recommends that health care providers not administer any products labeled as sterile from Main Street and quarantine them until further guidance is provided.
The FDA asks health care providers and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of any Main Street products to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
- Complete and submit the report online at www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178
[05/24/2013 - Press Release - FDA]
Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
[UPDATE 10/24/2012] The updated list of customers (consignees) who were shipped product on or after May 21, 2012 from the New England Compounding Center’s (NECC) Framingham, MA facility is now posted at the FDA website. The technical problems with the previous list have been corrected.
You can obtain information about the outbreak by calling the FDA’s Division of Drug Information line at 855-543-DRUG (3784) or send an email to druginfo@fda.hhs.gov.
FDA provides NECC Customer List
[UPDATE 10/22/2012] FDA is making available two lists of customers (consignees) who received products that were shipped on or after May 21, 2012 from New England Compounding Center’s Framingham, MA facility. The first list includes customer names and addresses, organized by state. The second list contains the same basic information as the first list, but is organized alphabetically by customer name and also includes the specific products shipped, the quantities of product shipped, and the shipping date. The lists were prepared based on information provided by NECC, and FDA cannot vouch for the completeness or accuracy of the lists. Products shipped by NECC may be missing from the list and facility information may be incomplete. Nevertheless, this is the best information we have available, at this time, to help inform facilities and healthcare providers of NECC products shipped to their facilities since May 21, 2012.
FDA is reiterating and updating its previous recommendation that follow-up with patients be done when the following three conditions are met:
- The medication was an injectable product purchased from or produced by NECC, including an ophthalmic drug that is injectable or used in conjunction with eye surgery, or a cardioplegic solution,
- The medication was shipped by NECC on or after May 21, 2012, and
- The medication was administered to patients on or after May 21, 2012.
Since the May 21, 2012 date is the date the first of three lots of methylprednisolone acetate implicated in the current outbreak was produced, products produced and shipped by NECC on or after May 21, 2012 are believed at this time to be of greatest risk of contamination. Now that we have shipping information available, we are updating FDA’s recommendation to health care providers so that they can focus their attention on following up with the patients who are believed to be at greatest risk of receiving a contaminated product.
FDA Statement on Fungal Meningitis Outbreak: Additional Patient Notification Advised
[UPDATE 10/18/2012] CDC and FDA have confirmed the presence of a fungus known as Exserohilum rostratum in unopened medication vials of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml) from one of the three implicated lots from NECC (Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013). The laboratory confirmation further links steroid injections from these lots from NECC to the multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and joint infections. Testing on the other two implicated lots of methylprednisolone acetate and other NECC injectables continues.
CDC and state health departments estimate that approximately 14,000 patients may have received injections with medication from three implicated lots of methylprednisolone and nearly 97% of these patients have been contacted for further follow-up.
There is now available a Patient Notification Letter on the FDA "Update on Fungal Meningitis" webpage under the "Related Information" section. This letter template is for healthcare professionals notifying patients administered a drug produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) that has been recalled.
[UPDATE 10/16/2012] On 10/15/12 the health care facility notified CDC that the initial report of two transplant patients has been revised to one patient who received cardioplegia solution from NECC. The 10/15/12 statement has been revised to reflect this information.
[Posted 10/15/2012]
ISSUE: As a result of the ongoing investigation of New England Compounding Center (NECC), a patient with possible meningitis potentially associated with epidural injection of an additional NECC product, triamcinolone acetonide, has been identified through active surveillance and reported to FDA. Triamcinolone acetonide is a type of steroid injectable product made by NECC. The cases of meningitis identified to date have been associated with methylprednisolone acetate, another similar steroid injectable product.
In addition, two transplant patients with Aspergillus fumigatus infection who were administered NECC cardioplegic solution during surgery have been reported. Investigation of these patients is ongoing; and there may be other explanations for their Aspergillus infection. Cardioplegic solution is used to induce cardiac muscle paralysis during open heart surgery to prevent injury to the heart.
BACKGROUND: On October 4, the FDA advised providers to not use any NECC products. On October 6, NECC announced a recall of all its products. See the complete list of all products subject to this recall. The FDA had previously issued guidance for medical professionals that all products distributed by NECC should be retained, secured, and withheld from use.
RECOMMENDATION: FDA advises healthcare professionals that if you administered an NECC injectable product to a patient after May 21, 2012, including an ophthalmic drug that is injectable or used in conjunction with eye surgery or a cardioplegic solution, you follow-up with that patient. Healthcare professionals and medical care organizations should inform patients who received the NECC products noted above of the symptoms of possible infection and instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
FDA advises healthcare professionals and patients 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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Healthcare professionals may dial FDA’s Drug Information Line at 855-543-DRUG (3784) and press * to get the most recent information regarding the meningitis recall and speak directly to a pharmacist.
Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
FDA provides NECC Customer List
[UPDATE 10/22/2012] FDA is making available two lists of customers (consignees) who received products that were shipped on or after May 21, 2012 from New England Compounding Center’s Framingham, MA facility. The first list includes customer names and addresses, organized by state. The second list contains the same basic information as the first list, but is organized alphabetically by customer name and also includes the specific products shipped, the quantities of product shipped, and the shipping date. The lists were prepared based on information provided by NECC, and FDA cannot vouch for the completeness or accuracy of the lists. Products shipped by NECC may be missing from the list and facility information may be incomplete. Nevertheless, this is the best information we have available, at this time, to help inform facilities and healthcare providers of NECC products shipped to their facilities since May 21, 2012.
FDA is reiterating and updating its previous recommendation that follow-up with patients be done when the following three conditions are met:
- The medication was an injectable product purchased from or produced by NECC, including an ophthalmic drug that is injectable or used in conjunction with eye surgery, or a cardioplegic solution,
- The medication was shipped by NECC on or after May 21, 2012, and
- The medication was administered to patients on or after May 21, 2012.
Since the May 21, 2012 date is the date the first of three lots of methylprednisolone acetate implicated in the current outbreak was produced, products produced and shipped by NECC on or after May 21, 2012 are believed at this time to be of greatest risk of contamination. Now that we have shipping information available, we are updating FDA’s recommendation to health care providers so that they can focus their attention on following up with the patients who are believed to be at greatest risk of receiving a contaminated product.
FDA Statement on Fungal Meningitis Outbreak: Additional Patient Notification Advised
[UPDATE 10/18/2012] CDC and FDA have confirmed the presence of a fungus known as Exserohilum rostratum in unopened medication vials of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml) from one of the three implicated lots from NECC (Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013). The laboratory confirmation further links steroid injections from these lots from NECC to the multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and joint infections. Testing on the other two implicated lots of methylprednisolone acetate and other NECC injectables continues.
CDC and state health departments estimate that approximately 14,000 patients may have received injections with medication from three implicated lots of methylprednisolone and nearly 97% of these patients have been contacted for further follow-up.
There is now available a Patient Notification Letter on the FDA "Update on Fungal Meningitis" webpage under the "Related Information" section. This letter template is for healthcare professionals notifying patients administered a drug produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC) that has been recalled.
[UPDATE 10/16/2012] On 10/15/12 the health care facility notified CDC that the initial report of two transplant patients has been revised to one patient who received cardioplegia solution from NECC. The 10/15/12 statement has been revised to reflect this information.
[Posted 10/15/2012]
ISSUE: As a result of the ongoing investigation of New England Compounding Center (NECC), a patient with possible meningitis potentially associated with epidural injection of an additional NECC product, triamcinolone acetonide, has been identified through active surveillance and reported to FDA. Triamcinolone acetonide is a type of steroid injectable product made by NECC. The cases of meningitis identified to date have been associated with methylprednisolone acetate, another similar steroid injectable product.
In addition, two transplant patients with Aspergillus fumigatus infection who were administered NECC cardioplegic solution during surgery have been reported. Investigation of these patients is ongoing; and there may be other explanations for their Aspergillus infection. Cardioplegic solution is used to induce cardiac muscle paralysis during open heart surgery to prevent injury to the heart.
BACKGROUND: On October 4, the FDA advised providers to not use any NECC products. On October 6, NECC announced a recall of all its products. See the complete list of all products subject to this recall. The FDA had previously issued guidance for medical professionals that all products distributed by NECC should be retained, secured, and withheld from use.
RECOMMENDATION: FDA advises healthcare professionals that if you administered an NECC injectable product to a patient after May 21, 2012, including an ophthalmic drug that is injectable or used in conjunction with eye surgery or a cardioplegic solution, you follow-up with that patient. Healthcare professionals and medical care organizations should inform patients who received the NECC products noted above of the symptoms of possible infection and instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
FDA advises healthcare professionals and patients 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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Healthcare professionals may dial FDA’s Drug Information Line at 855-543-DRUG (3784) and press * to get the most recent information regarding the meningitis recall and speak directly to a pharmacist.
FDA Statement on Fungal Meningitis Outbreak: Additional Patient Notification Advised
[Update 10/16/2012] On 10/15/12 the health care facility notified CDC that the initial report of two transplant patients has been revised to one patient who received cardioplegia solution from NECC. The 10/15/12 statement has been revised to reflect this information.
[Posted 10/15/2012]
ISSUE: As a result of the ongoing investigation of New England Compounding Center (NECC), a patient with possible meningitis potentially associated with epidural injection of an additional NECC product, triamcinolone acetonide, has been identified through active surveillance and reported to FDA. Triamcinolone acetonide is a type of steroid injectable product made by NECC. The cases of meningitis identified to date have been associated with methylprednisolone acetate, another similar steroid injectable product.
In addition, two transplant patients with Aspergillus fumigatus infection who were administered NECC cardioplegic solution during surgery have been reported. Investigation of these patients is ongoing; and there may be other explanations for their Aspergillus infection. Cardioplegic solution is used to induce cardiac muscle paralysis during open heart surgery to prevent injury to the heart.
BACKGROUND: On October 4, the FDA advised providers to not use any NECC products. On October 6, NECC announced a recall of all its products. See the complete list of all products subject to this recall. The FDA had previously issued guidance for medical professionals that all products distributed by NECC should be retained, secured, and withheld from use.
RECOMMENDATION: FDA advises healthcare professionals to follow-up with patients who were administered any injectable medication from or produced by NECC, including injectable ophthalmic drugs used in conjunction with eye surgery, or a cardioplegic solution purchased from or produced by NECC after May 21, 2012. Healthcare professionals and medical care organizations should inform patients who received the NECC products noted above of the symptoms of possible infection and instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
FDA advises healthcare professionals and patients 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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Healthcare professionals may dial FDA’s Drug Information Line at 855-543-DRUG (3784) and press * to get the most recent information regarding the meningitis recall and speak directly to a pharmacist.
FDA Statement on Fungal Meningitis Outbreak: Additional Patient Notification Advised
ISSUE: As a result of the ongoing investigation of New England Compounding Center (NECC), a patient with possible meningitis potentially associated with epidural injection of an additional NECC product, triamcinolone acetonide, has been identified through active surveillance and reported to FDA. Triamcinolone acetonide is a type of steroid injectable product made by NECC. The cases of meningitis identified to date have been associated with methylprednisolone acetate, another similar steroid injectable product.
In addition, two transplant patients with Aspergillus fumigatus infection who were administered NECC cardioplegic solution during surgery have been reported. Investigation of these patients is ongoing; and there may be other explanations for their Aspergillus infection. Cardioplegic solution is used to induce cardiac muscle paralysis during open heart surgery to prevent injury to the heart.
BACKGROUND: On October 4, the FDA advised providers to not use any NECC products. On October 6, NECC announced a recall of all its products. See the complete list of all products subject to this recall. The FDA had previously issued guidance for medical professionals that all products distributed by NECC should be retained, secured, and withheld from use.
RECOMMENDATION: FDA advises healthcare professionals to follow-up with patients who were administered any injectable medication from or produced by NECC, including injectable ophthalmic drugs used in conjunction with eye surgery, or a cardioplegic solution purchased from or produced by NECC after May 21, 2012. Healthcare professionals and medical care organizations should inform patients who received the NECC products noted above of the symptoms of possible infection and instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any of these symptoms.
FDA advises healthcare professionals and patients 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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Healthcare professionals may dial FDA’s Drug Information Line at 855-543-DRUG (3784) and press * to get the most recent information regarding the meningitis recall and speak directly to a pharmacist.
[10/15/2012 - FDA Statement on Fungal Meningitis Outbreak]
[10/15/2012 - Multistate Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Investigation - CDC]
New England Compounding Center (NECC) Potentially Contaminated Medication: Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
[UPDATED 10/06/2012] On October 4, 2012, the CDC and FDA recommended that all health care professionals cease use and remove from their pharmaceutical inventory any product produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC), located at 697 Waverly Street in Framingham, MA. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is collaborating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a multi-state investigation of Aspergillus meningitis among patients who received an epidural steroid injection.
As of October 4, 2012, 35 cases have been reported to CDC, including 5 deaths. The three principally implicated lots have not been distributed in Massachusetts. According to CDC, fungal meningitis, which is not transmitted from persons to person, from a potentially contaminated drug product is suspected to be the cause of the outbreak. At this time, no cases have been reported in Massachusetts. Specific information on these recalled products is located at the links provided below. Additionally, the CDC is updating information for clinicians daily at 2 pm at the following webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis.html.
With questions regarding case definitions of Aspergillus meningitis, please contact the DPH Epidemiology Hotline: 617-983-6800.
[Posted 10/05/2012]
ISSUE: FDA has observed fungal contamination by direct microscopic examination of foreign matter taken from a sealed vial of methylprednisolone acetate collected from New England Compounding Center (NECC). FDA is in the process of conducting additional microbial testing to confirm the exact species of the fungus.
Investigation into the exact source of the outbreak is still ongoing, but the outbreak is associated with a potentially contaminated medication. That product is preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml), an injectable steroid produced and distributed by New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Massachusetts. CDC’s interim data show that all infected patients received injection with this product.
BACKGROUND: FDA was been working closely with CDC, several state health departments, and the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy to investigate the scope and cause of the outbreak of fungal meningitis. FDA inspectors in the New England District Office, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy have been conducting an inspection of the New England Compounding Center. The firm voluntarily ceased all operations and surrendered its license to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy on October 3, 2012.
RECOMMENDATION: Out of an abundance of caution, FDA is taking the additional step of recommending that health care professionals and consumers not use any product that was produced by NECC at this time. In addition, FDA requests that health care professionals retain and secure all remaining products purchased from NECC until FDA provides further instructions regarding the disposition of these products.
Although the investigation into the source of the outbreak is still ongoing, if you have purchased a product from NECC, FDA is advising not to use it at this time. This includes all products compounded and distributed at NECC; not just the ones that have been recalled. Please see the CDC website for additional information.
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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
[10/06/2012 - Firm Recall Press Release - NECC]
[10/05/2012 - FDA Statement - FDA]
[10/05/2012 - Q&A - FDA]
[10/05/2012 - List of Recalled Products - FDA]
New England Compounding Center (NECC) Potentially Contaminated Medication: Fungal Meningitis Outbreak
[Posted 10/05/2012]
ISSUE: FDA has observed fungal contamination by direct microscopic examination of foreign matter taken from a sealed vial of methylprednisolone acetate collected from New England Compounding Center (NECC). FDA is in the process of conducting additional microbial testing to confirm the exact species of the fungus.
Investigation into the exact source of the outbreak is still ongoing, but the outbreak is associated with a potentially contaminated medication. That product is preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml), an injectable steroid produced and distributed by New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Massachusetts. CDC’s interim data show that all infected patients received injection with this product.
BACKGROUND: FDA was been working closely with CDC, several state health departments, and the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy to investigate the scope and cause of the outbreak of fungal meningitis. FDA inspectors in the New England District Office, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy have been conducting an inspection of the New England Compounding Center. The firm voluntarily ceased all operations and surrendered its license to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy on October 3, 2012.
RECOMMENDATION: Out of an abundance of caution, FDA is taking the additional step of recommending that health care professionals and consumers not use any product that was produced by NECC at this time. In addition, FDA requests that health care professionals retain and secure all remaining products purchased from NECC until FDA provides further instructions regarding the disposition of these products.
Although the investigation into the source of the outbreak is still ongoing, if you have purchased a product from NECC, FDA is advising not to use it at this time. This includes all products compounded and distributed at NECC; not just the ones that have been recalled. Please see the CDC website for additional information.
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:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
[10/05/2012 - FDA Statement - FDA]
[10/05/2012 - Q&A - FDA]
[10/05/2012 - List of Recalled Products - FDA]
Injectable drugs prepared by Urgent Care Pharmacy
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide alert concerning all injectable drugs prepared by Urgent Care Pharmacy of Spartanburg, South Carolina, based on the lack of assurance that their products are sterile. Non-sterility of injectable products can represent a serious hazard to health that could lead to life-threatening injuries and death. FDA inspection of Urgent Care's facility revealed the firm failed to have adequate controls to ensure necessary sterility, including the absence of appropriate testing for potency and sterility prior to distribution.FDA is aware that Urgent Care has distributed the following injectable drugs to physicians, hospitals, clinics and consumers in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia: Baclofen, Betamethasone, Bimix 30:1, (Phentolamine mesylate/papaverine), Clonidine, Estradiol, Hydromorphone HCl, Fentanyl, methylprednisolone acetate, Morphine Sulfate/Bupivacaine, Papaverine HCl, Super Trimix (Papaverine HCl/phentolamine mesylate/prostaglandin), Testosterone cypionate, Testosterone/Estradiol.
[November 15, 2002 Talk Paper - FDA]
