Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL), 1 x 5 mL Single Dose Vial per carton,...
FDA Drug Recall #D-66447-002 — Class II — September 23, 2013
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-66447-002 |
| Classification | Class II — Moderate risk |
| Date Initiated | September 23, 2013 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | West-Ward Pharmaceutical Corp. |
| Location | Eatontown, NJ |
| Product Type | Drugs |
| Quantity | 9813 vials |
Product Description
Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, 100 mg/5 mL (20 mg/mL), 1 x 5 mL Single Dose Vial per carton, Rx only, Manufactured by: Thymoorgan Pharmazie GmbH, Schiffgraben 23, 38690 Vienenburg, Germany; Distributed by: West-Ward Pharmaceutical Corp., Eatontown, NJ 07724 USA, NDC 0143-9701-01.
Reason for Recall
Superpotent Drug: a recent review of the USP revealed that an incorrect calculation was used to determine the amount of irinotecan to use in formulation which will result in an assay higher than the labeled claim.
Distribution Pattern
Nationwide
Lot / Code Information
Lot #: AC0026, AC0027, Exp 10/14
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-66447-001 | Class II | Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, 40 mg/2 mL ... | Sep 23, 2013 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop using the medication immediately and contact your pharmacist. A mislabeling recall can range from a minor technical error (wrong font size) to a serious mix-up where one drug is inside another drug's packaging. If you received a medication that looks or acts differently than expected, or if you experienced unexpected effects, tell your doctor immediately. The pharmacist can verify whether your specific lot is affected and provide a replacement. Report any adverse effects experienced 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.