Methylcobalamin 1mg/mL Injection w/Pres. (Benzyl Alcohol 1% in Sterile Water), packaged in 10 mL ...

FDA Drug Recall #D-0921-2018 — Class II — June 25, 2018

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-0921-2018
Classification Class II — Moderate risk
Date Initiated June 25, 2018
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm La Vita Compounding Pharmacy, LLC
Location San Diego, CA
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 19,040 mL total dispensed in 10 mL and 30 mL vials

Product Description

Methylcobalamin 1mg/mL Injection w/Pres. (Benzyl Alcohol 1% in Sterile Water), packaged in 10 mL and 30 mL vials, Rx only, la VITA Compounding Pharmacy, 858.453.2500

Reason for Recall

Lack of Processing Controls: products produced in a manner that calls into question the sterility of the drug product intended to be sterile.

Distribution Pattern

Product was distributed to patients via patient specific prescription only in CA.

Lot / Code Information

Lot #s: 139140@3, Exp 07/23/2018; 141106@1, Exp 08/21/2018; 142919@13, Exp 09/17/2018; 143291@6, Exp 09/23/2018; 145701@3, Exp 10/29/2018; 146932@3, Exp 11/19/2018

Other Recalls from La Vita Compounding Pharmacy, LLC

Recall # Classification Product Date
D-0922-2018 Class II Methyl Folate CA+ 1mg/ml Injection w/Pres. (Ben... Jun 25, 2018
D-0923-2018 Class II Glutathione 200mg/mL Injection w/Pres. (Benzyl ... Jun 25, 2018

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.