Recall Notice: H & P Industries Povidone Iodine Swabsticks, Prep Solutions, Scrub Solutions, and Prep Gel: Recall - Inadequate Microbial Testing

On August 27, 2011, H & P Industries and the FDA issued a recall of all lots (lots beginning with 8J-8M, 9A-9M, 0A-0M, 1A-1C) of Povidone Iodine Swabsticks, Prep Solutions, Scrub Solutions, and Prep Gel. H & P Industries, Inc. manufactured these Povidone Iodine products without having in place a system for microbial testing at the time of release, without having a system for testing of incoming components, and without having procedures designed and established to prevent objectionable microorganisms in these drug products. Patients undergoing medical and surgical procedures, including those who are immunocompromised, have a high risk of infection from antiseptic surgical preparations that have been prepared, packaged, or held under insanitary conditions. Specific customers distributing the product and selling it at the wholesale and hospital level are being notified by e-mail with instructions on how to return the product. Consumers that have any of these types of products in their possession should not use the product and should return it to the place it was purchased. It is advised that healthcare professionals and patients report any adverse health events related to use of this product to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting System. Click here for more information.

Recall Notice: Arrow International, Inc. Arrow NextStep Antegrade Chronic Hemodialysis Catheter: Class I Recall

On August 3, 2011, the FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class I recall of certain Arrow NextStep Antegrade Chronic Hemodialysis Catheters, due to reports of breakage and/or separation of the stylet. These products were distributed to medical facilities and physicians in California, Delaware, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Listed below are the affected product and lot numbers which were manufactured between April 14, 2011 and May 9, 2011.

Product Number Lot Number

CS-15192-IXM RV1034909
CS-15232-IXM RV1034911
CS-15272-IXM RV1034912
CS-15312-IXM RV1034913
CS-15422-IX RV1034914
CS-15502-IX RV1034915

The Arrow NextStep Antegrade Catheter is indicated for use in adult patients for attaining long-term vascular access for hemodialysis and apheresis. Chronic hemodialysis catheters are typically placed into a large vein in the patient's neck. Customers should check their stock, cease use and distribution, and quarantine all affected product. See the Recall Notice for additional information. For questions regarding this recall, contact Arrow International Inc. Customer Service at 1-(800)-233-3187. Click here for more information.

FDA Notice: Nulojix (belatacept) – Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)

On July 7, 2011, Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) informed healthcare professionals about the REMS that is required for Nulojix to ensure that the benefits of Nulojix outweigh the risks of Post-transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD) and Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), both of which can be fatal. Patients treated with Nulojix are at an increased risk for developing PTLD, predominantly involving the Central Nervous System. PML has been reported in patients receiving Nulojix at higher than recommended doses as part of an immunosuppressant regimen. It is recommended that healthcare providers verify the patient’s Epstein-Barr virus status before initiating therapy with Nulojix. BMS established the ENLiST Registry to further evaluate the safety profile of Nulojix. BMS encourages provider participation in the ENLiST Registry. Click here for more information.

Recall Notice: Defibtech Lifeline and ReviveR Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs): Recall - Software Defect May Cancel Shock

On May 10, 2011, Defibtech, LLC a manufacturer of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) issued a recall of its Model DDU-100 series with software version 2.004 or earlier, sold under the brand names Lifeline and ReviveR. The company warned that AEDs using software version 2.004 or earlier may cause the device to cancel shock during the charging process. Failure to provide appropriate therapy may result in failure to resuscitate the patient. AEDs are used on victims of sudden cardiac arrest when the patient is unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing. To address this issue, Defibtech will provide customers with a free software upgrade. Because the conditions that may lead to a canceled shock occur rarely, it is recommended that customers keep their AEDs in service during the software upgrade process. Full instructions and recommendations are being mailed to affected customers. Defibtech is responsible for contacting all end users unless a distributor has agreed to contact their accounts directly regarding this field correction. Questions regarding this recall may be directed to Al Raebuck, Customer Service Manager, Defibtech at techsupport@defibtech.com, 1-877-453-4507 or 1-203-453-4507. Click here for more information.

Recall Notice: Weck Hem-o-Lok Ligating Clips: Contraindicated for Ligation of Renal Artery During Laparoscopic Living-Donor Nephrectomy

On May 6, 2011, The FDA notified health care providers that Weck Hem-o-Lok Ligating Clips should not be used for the ligation of the renal artery during a laparoscopic living-donor nephrectomy because of serious risks to the donor. There is the potential for the clips to become dislodged, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, additional surgery, or death of the donor. In 2006, the manufacturer added this contraindication to the Instructions for Use after receiving 15 reports of 12 injuries and three deaths which occurred between 2001 and 2005. Since the contraindication issued in 2006, there have been three more kidney deaths, all associated with the contraindicated use. The Weck Hem-o-Lok Ligating Clip is a V-shaped clip made from a non-absorbable material that comes in various sizes. It is used to permanently close bleeding vessels or tissue structures. See the FDA safety communication for a listing of affected model numbers, and recommendations for healthcare providers, hospital staff, and patients. Click here for more information.