AmBisome (amphotericin B) liposome for injection, 50mg vial, single use vial, For Intravenous Inf...

FDA Drug Recall #D-820-2013 — Class II — June 19, 2013

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-820-2013
Classification Class II — Moderate risk
Date Initiated June 19, 2013
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Astellas Pharma US Inc
Location Northbrook, IL
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 133,550 Vials

Product Description

AmBisome (amphotericin B) liposome for injection, 50mg vial, single use vial, For Intravenous Infusion Only, Rx Only, Marketed by: Astellas Pharma US, Inc., Northbrook, IL 60062, Manufactured by: Gilead Sciences, Inc, San Dimas, CA 91773, NDC: 0469-3051-30.

Reason for Recall

Lack of Assurance of Sterility; Astellas Pharma US, Inc. is performing a voluntary recall on certain lots of AmBisome because the manufacturer has notified Astellas that during a routine simulation of the manufacturing of AmBisome, a bacterial contamination was detected in the media fills.

Distribution Pattern

Nationwide and Canada

Lot / Code Information

Lot #: 042267AA, Exp July 2015, 042287AA, 042289AA, 042291AA, Exp Aug 2015. Lot Numbers and Expiry Dates (for Canada distribution). LOT 042269AA, EXP 07/2015, LOT 0422C1AA, EXP 11/2015.

Other Recalls from Astellas Pharma US Inc

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-0548-2018 Class II Mycamine (micafungin) for Injection 100 mg/vial... Jan 22, 2018
D-0008-2015 Class II Tarceva (erlotinib) Tablets, 150 mg, 30 count b... Sep 15, 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

Injectable drugs and eye drops must be completely free of microbial contamination because they bypass the body's natural defenses. A contaminated injectable can introduce bacteria or fungi directly into the bloodstream, potentially causing sepsis, meningitis, or localized infections — all of which can be life-threatening. Contamination of sterile products almost always results in a Class I recall. If you received an injectable drug from a recalled lot, contact your healthcare provider immediately, even if you feel well, as some infections can have delayed onset.

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.