The FDA announces that Hospira Inc. will initiate a voluntary nationwide recall to the user level for one lot of 0.25% Marcaine (Bupivacaine HCl Injection, USP), 10 mL, Single-dose Vial – Preservative Free (NDC 0409-1559-10), Lot 34-440-DD. The recall is due to a confirmed customer report of discolored solution with visible particles embedded in the glass as well as discolored solution.

To date, Hospira has not received reports of any adverse events associated with this issue for this lot. Hospira has attributed the embedded particulate to a supplier’s glass defect. As a result of this issue, Hospira is working with its supplier on implementing corrective and preventive actions.

If the particulate goes undetected and solution is administered – depending on the particle size and number – it could block administration of the drug to the patient, causing a delay in therapy. However, this is an unlikely outcome due to the size of the subvisible particulates identified. It is more likely that particulates are able to pass through the catheter and may result in local inflammation, mechanical disruption of tissue, or immune response to the particulate.

While extremely rare, particulate exposed to strong magnetic fields (e.g. MRI), could potentially dislodge and cause tissue damage. However, the particulate size identified is considered too small. Therefore, an adverse outcome is extremely unlikely. Marcaine is packaged 10 units per carton/100 units per case in glass fliptop vials. The impacted lot of Marcaine was distributed December 2013 through January 2014 to wholesalers/distributors, hospitals and clinics nationwide.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Hospira is headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill.

Release Date: April 21, 2014
Source: FDA