Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection, USP 3.375 gram/vial* 10-count Single Use Vials per car...

FDA Drug Recall #D-0839-2018 — Class I — May 8, 2018

Recall Summary

Recall Number D-0839-2018
Classification Class I — Serious risk
Date Initiated May 8, 2018
Status Terminated
Voluntary Voluntary: Firm initiated

Recalling Firm

Firm Apotex Inc.
Location North York
Product Type Drugs
Quantity 121693 vials

Product Description

Piperacillin and Tazobactam for Injection, USP 3.375 gram/vial* 10-count Single Use Vials per carton, Rx Only, Mfg. by: Hospira Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. Irungattukottai-602 105, India Mfg. for: Apotex Corp. Weston, FL 33326. NDC 60505-0687-4

Reason for Recall

Subpotent Drug: High Levels of Impurities Resulting in Decrease Potency

Distribution Pattern

Nationwide in the USA.

Lot / Code Information

Lots: 501G014 Exp. 05/2018; 501G015 Exp.09/2018; 501G016, 501G017, 501G018, 501G019, 501G020, 501G021, 501G022, 501G023 Exp. 10/2018; 501G024, 501G025, 501G026, 501G027, 501G028, 501G029 501G030, Exp. 11/2018, 501H001, 501H002, 501H003, 501H004, 501H005, 501H006, 501H007, 501H008, Exp. 12/2018; 501H009, Exp. 04/2019; 501H012, 501H013 Exp. 06/2019; 501H018, 501H019, Exp. 09/2019.

Other Recalls from Apotex Inc.

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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.