Fosphenytoin Sodium Injection, USP, 500 mg PE per 10 mL (50 mg PE per mL), 10 mL Single Dose Vial...

FDA Drug Recall #D-1438-2012 — Class II — April 13, 2012

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-1438-2012
Classification Class II — Moderate risk
Date Initiated April 13, 2012
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.
Location Eatontown, NJ
Product Type Drugs
Quantity a) 74,960 vials; b) 911,070 vials

Product Description

Fosphenytoin Sodium Injection, USP, 500 mg PE per 10 mL (50 mg PE per mL), 10 mL Single Dose Vial, packaged in 10-count x 10 mL Single Dose Vials per carton, Rx only, Mfd. By: Hikma Farmaceutica (Portugal), S.A.; Dist. By: West-Ward Pharmaceutical Corp., Eatontown, NJ 07724 USA under the labels a) NOVAPLUS (NDC 0143-9703-10), b) West-Ward (NDC 0143-9782-10).

Reason for Recall

Presence of Particulate Matter: This product is being recalled due to the discovery of particles in the stability samples and retain samples.

Distribution Pattern

All lots were distributed throughout the US.

Lot / Code Information

Lot #s: a) 112161.1, 112162.1, 112163.1, Exp 05/13; b) 102165.2, 102167.1, Exp 05/12; 102190.1, 102191.1, 102191.2, 102192.1, 102213.1, Exp 07/12; 102240.1, 102241.1, 10227.1, 102272.1, 102272.2, 102273.1, 102274.1, 102275.1, Exp 09/12; 102319.1, 102320.1, 102321.1, 102322.1, 102323.1, 102324.1, 102325.1, Exp 11/12; 102342.1, 102343.1, 102344.1, 102345.1, Exp 12/12; 112019.1, 112020.1, 112021.1, 112022.1, 112023.1, Exp 01/13; 112156.1, 112157.1, 112158.1, 112159.1, 112160.1, Exp 05/13; 112164.1, Exp 06/13; 112203.1, 112204.1, 112205.1, 112206.1, Exp 07/13; 112262.1, 112263.1, Exp 09/13; 112301.1, 112302.1, 112303.1, 112304.1, Exp 10/13; 112323.1, 112324.1, 112325.1, Exp 11/13

Other Recalls from West-ward Pharmaceutical Corp.

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-1139-2015 Class III Fentanyl Citrate Inj., USP, CII, 250 mcg/5 mL (... May 13, 2015
D-0172-2015 Class II VERSAPHARM INCORPORATED Ethambutol Hydrochlorid... Oct 2, 2014
D-1414-2014 Class II Isoniazid Tablets, USP, 300 mg, Rx only, packag... May 20, 2014
D-367-2014 Class II Carisoprodol Tablets, USP 350 mg, Rx Only, 1000... Nov 7, 2013
D-66447-002 Class II Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, 100 mg/5 mL... Sep 23, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions

Stop taking the medication and contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately. For Class I recalls, this is urgent. For Class II or III recalls, consult your doctor before stopping — abruptly discontinuing certain medications (blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, diabetes medications) can be more harmful than continuing while arranging a replacement. Check whether the recall applies to your specific lot number and expiration date. Return the product to your pharmacy and report any adverse effects to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Not necessarily. Many drug recalls are initiated because of quality system failures or test results that suggest a product might not meet specifications — even if no patients have reported harm. The FDA uses a precautionary approach: if there is reason to believe quality standards were not met, a recall is required regardless of whether adverse effects have been reported. Class I recalls typically involve a reasonable probability of harm; Class II recalls may cause temporary health issues; Class III recalls are for products unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but that still violate regulations.

Pharmacies typically receive recall notices directly from drug wholesalers and manufacturers within days of the recall being announced. Your pharmacist can look up whether any product in your prescription history matches a recalled lot number. For current recalls, the FDA publishes updates at FDA.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts and sends MedWatch email alerts for significant drug safety issues. You can sign up for MedWatch alerts at FDA.gov. Most major pharmacy chains also have their own recall notification systems that automatically alert pharmacists when a recalled product is in their inventory.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this medication if affected by this recall. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor immediately for guidance. Do not flush medications — use a drug take-back program.