Hospira announces nationwide voluntary recall of hydromorphone hydrochloride injection

Hospira, Inc. has announced the initiation of a voluntary user-level recall of hydromorphone injection, USP.

The recalled product is a prefilled glass cartridge to be used with the Carpuject Syringe system. The lot number is 12720LL. Distributed in March through May of this year, the expiration date is Dec. 1, 2013.

The recall is the result of a filed complaint regarding a Carpuject containing more than the labeled fill volume. An overdose of opioid pain medications like hydromorphone can factor into life-threatening conditions like low blood pressure, reduced heart rate and respiratory depression.

While no reports have been released connecting the recalled product with actual health consequences, Hospira has notified healthcare professionals of the overfill risk. Anyone with the hydromorphone hydrochloride injections from the stated time period should cease distribution of the product and contact Stericycle by calling 1-866-873-0312 for product return. Replacements are available.

Customers may send a DEA 222 form to Hospira at 1635 Stone Ridge Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 for product replacement. Adverse reactions and quality problems from the product should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Events Program, available online at fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm.

For a full report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, visit fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm315671.htm?source=govdelivery.

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