Hospira recalls injectable diabetes medicine due to presence of glass particles

A sign marks the location of the Hospira corporate headquarters on February 5, 2015 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Pharmaceutical giant Hospira issued a voluntary recall of three lots of 8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection mEq/50 mL to the hospital and institution level due to the presence of glass particles, the Federal Drug Administration announced on March 15. 

The FDA says the presence of glass particles may result in local irritation or swelling in response to the foreign material. They say more serious potential outcomes would include blockage and clotting in blood vessels, “which may be life-threatening if a critical organ is affected.” 

Hospira has not received reports of any adverse events in connection to these lots, according to the FDA. See below for a list of the affected lots and their expiration dates: 

  • 0409-6625-02    79-238-EV    1JUL2019    50 mEq/50 mL    Case Pack 4 x 25, 50mL
  • 0409-6625-02    79-240-EV    1JUL2019    50 mEq/50 mL    Case Pack 4 x 25, 50mL
  • 0409-6625-02    80-088-EV    1AUG2019    50 mEq/50 mL   Case Pack 4 x 25, 50mL

If you are in possession of the above lots, the FDA says you should stop use and distribution and quarantine immediately. 

For more information, contact Hospira/Pfizer at Pfizer Medical Information:1-800-438-1985, option 3 for medical inquiries or Pfizer Safety: 1-800-438-1985, option 1 to report adverse events or product complaints.