Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Injection, CIII, 0.3 mg base/mL ,1 mL, 10 Carpuject Sterile Cartridg...

FDA Drug Recall #D-1604-2014 — Class II — September 9, 2014

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-1604-2014
Classification Class II — Moderate risk
Date Initiated September 9, 2014
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Hospira Inc.
Location Lake Forest, IL
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 373,180 Carpuject units

Product Description

Buprenorphine Hydrochloride Injection, CIII, 0.3 mg base/mL ,1 mL, 10 Carpuject Sterile Cartridge Units with Luer Lock, Slim-Paks, F Intramuscular or Intravenous Use, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-2012-32

Reason for Recall

Failed Impurities/Degradation Specification: Out of Specification results for pseudobuprenorphine impurity at the 9-month stability time point.

Distribution Pattern

Nationwide

Lot / Code Information

Lot Number: 35-730-LL, 35-745-LL, Exp: 1 FEB 2015

Other Recalls from Hospira Inc.

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-0862-2017 Class I Infant 25% DEXTROSE Injection, USP, 2.5 g (250 ... Apr 21, 2017
D-0153-2017 Class II Fentanyl Citrate Injection, USP, 100 mcg Fentan... Nov 1, 2016
D-1500-2016 Class II DOBUTamine Injection, USP 250 mg/20 mL, 20 mL V... Aug 15, 2016
D-0169-2017 Class III 5% Lidocaine HCL and 7.5% Dextrose Injection, U... Jun 29, 2016
D-1359-2016 Class II Diazepam Injection USP 10mg/2mL (5 mg/mL, 2 mL)... Jun 23, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Nitrosamines are probable human carcinogens — they can increase cancer risk with long-term exposure above certain thresholds, but they do not cause immediate harm from taking a single dose. The FDA calculates an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for each nitrosamine compound, and recalls are triggered when levels exceed this threshold. If you have been taking a recalled product, the FDA generally advises against abruptly stopping your medication (especially for critical conditions like blood pressure or diabetes) until you consult your doctor. The incremental cancer risk from short-term exposure is very small.

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.