April 21st, 2014

Hospira, Inc. has announced a nationwide recall of seven lots of Propofol Injectable Emulsion, USP, due to a glass defect located on the interior neck of the vial, which was identified during a sample inspection where the glass vial contained visible embedded metal particulate. Free-floating metal particulates were also identified in vials upon further analysis.

Injected particulate matter may result in local inflammation, phlebitis, and/or low level allergic response through mechanical disruption of tissue or immune response to the particulate. Capillaries, which may be as small as the size of a red blood cell, may become occluded. Chronically, following sequestration, particulate matter may lead to granulomatous formation, most likely in the lungs. Long term clinically meaningful impact is low if a patient has normal lung function. While extremely rare, embedded stainless steel may put a patient at risk from MRI (strong magnetic field exposure) as particulate, if in the lung, could potentially dislodge and be pulled through tissue.

The affected lots were distributed nationwide to distributors/wholesalers, hospitals and clinics from August 2013 through December 2013. The lot numbers affected by the recall are:

Hospira has notified its customers via recall letter that the company has implemented corrective actions to the manufacturing process to prevent recurrence. Customers are advised to check inventory and immediately quarantine any affected product. Affected product should be returned to Stericycle, which can be contacted at 1-877-272-2158 (M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET).

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm 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