The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IOur severity:SevereFDA (Drugs)·D-1216-2015·Announced 2015-07-15

Hospira Recalls Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Vials Due to Particulate Matter

Hospira is recalling Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection vials because they contain free-floating and embedded iron oxide particles.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Drugs): Class I

Class I is a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The agency classification is FDA Class I, which mandates a minimum severity score of 4 according to the rubric.

Plain-English summary

Hospira Inc. is recalling 150,950 vials of Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Injection, USP, 0.5% (5 mg/mL), Preservative-Free, 30 mL Single Use Vials. The recall is due to the presence of particulate matter, specifically free-floating and embedded iron oxide particles.

The affected product is identified by Lot # 38-515-DK and has an expiration date of February 1, 2016. The product is distributed nationwide in the U.S., including Guam. It is a prescription-only medication used for epidural, infiltration, intracaudal, and perineural routes.

Healthcare providers and patients should stop using the affected vials and contact Hospira Inc. for further instructions or returns.

The recalled product

Product
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE (BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE)
Brand
BUPIVACAINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer
Hospira Inc.
Affected units
150,950

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (2)

  • Lot #: 38-515-DK
  • Expiry: 1 FEB 2016.

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 1 state specifically:

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