FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 14, 2014 – Baxter International Inc. announced today it is voluntarily recalling four lots of intravenous (IV) solutions to the hospital/user level. These products have been found to contain particulate matter identified as cellulosic fibers and/or plastics. Baxter received four complaints over a period of six months from customers whose visual inspection identified the appearance of visible particulate matter prior to administration to a patient.
If infused, adverse health consequences of particulate matter could vary depending on the amount of particulate matter injected into the patient, the size of the particles, the patient’s underlying medical condition and the presence of a right-to-left cardiac shunt. The presence of particulate foreign matter may elicit inflammatory and allergic responses, both chronic and acute, and may be life threatening. There have been no reported adverse events associated with this issue to date, and an investigation is underway to determine root cause.
Products affected by this recall are found in the table below:
| Product Code | Description | Lot # | Expiry Date | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2B1302 | 0.9% Sodium Chloride 100 mL (Quad Pack) | P298190 | Aug 2014 | 0338-0049-18 |
| 2B0043 | 0.9% Sodium Chloride 100 mL MINI-BAG Plus | P308650 | Oct 2014 | 0338-0553-18 |
| 2B1306 | 0.9% Sodium Chloride, 50 mL (Single Pack) | P309187 | Oct 2014 | 0338-0049-41 |
| 2B0822 | Highly Concentrated Potassium Chloride Injection, 20 mEq/50 mL, VIAFLEX Plus Container | P309476 | Oct 2014 | 0338-0703-41 |
Sodium Chloride Injection, USP is an intravenously administered injectable indicated as a source of water and electrolytes, for use as a priming solution in hemodialysis procedures, and may be used as a diluent for reconstitution of a powdered drug product. Potassium Chloride Injection is an intravenously administered injectable indicated as a potassium replacement to support nerve conduction, muscle contraction and prevention of cardiac arrhythmias. The lots being recalled were distributed worldwide to customers and distributors between February 2013 and June 2014.
Baxter has notified customers, who are being directed not to use products from the recalled lots. Recalled products should be returned to Baxter for credit by contacting Baxter Healthcare Center for Service at 1-888-229-0001, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Central Time. Unaffected lots of product are available for replacement.
Consumers with questions regarding this recall can call Baxter at 1-800-422-9837, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central Time, or e-mail Baxter at onebaxter@baxter.com. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using these drug products.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
About Baxter
Baxter International Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions. As a global, diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide.
