Drug Recalls are conducted by firms to remove a drug from the market. Drugs are recalled if they are harmful for human consumption or if they bring about severe side effects. By own volition, a manufacturer may recall a drug or by a request from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Some of the most recent drug recalls include:
Intravenous (IV) Solutions By Baxter International
The recall of these solutions was due to the presence of particulate matter. It was found out that the particulate matter has the potential to bring adverse health consequences and other side effects such as allergic reactions and systemic embolization. This may have fatal effects on high-risk patients.
Virazole (Ribavirin Powder for Solution)
The New Jersey-based Valeant Pharmaceuticals recalled their Virazole Solution after it was found out that the inhalation of this non-sterile product posed a risk of respiratory infection. This was due to the presence of a microbial contamination in the solution. Patients whose immune system has been compromised due to an underlying disease were more susceptible.
Gastrotec
In December 2014, Tristar Equine Marketing LLC, recalled Gastrotec because it was being marketed illegally in the United States. Gastrotec had not been approved by the FDA, thus its safety and efficacy had not been established. Consequently, Tristar stopped the sale and production of Gastrotec pending approval by the FDA.
Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection
Hospira recalled their Ketorolac Tromethamine Injection in the United States and Singapore after it was found out that the injection contained potential particulate. The particulate was identified as calcium-ketorolac crystals. The injection that has been recalled was distributed in from February 2013 to December 2014 in the US and January 2014 to July 2014 in Singapore.
Who Has Jurisdiction Over These Drug Recalls?
The Food and Drug Administration has the jurisdiction over any drug that has been recalled.
How Do You Know if a Drug Has Been Recalled?
The best way to know if a drug has been recalled is by checking it of Food and Drug Administration official website, www.fda.gov. The FDA regularly updates its website regularly on the most recent drug recalls and the reason for the recall.
What do You Do With a Drug That Has Been Recalled?
You may consider consulting with your doctor or physician on the next course of action for a drug that has been recalled. However, the best way to deal with a recalled drug is to stop its use and dispose it in such a way that it cannot be accessed by human beings.
