Hospira recalls 4 cancer drugs over glass particles

The FDA is recalling four Hospira cancer drugs, including methotrexate, because glass particles in the vials can enter the solutions. (Hospira photo / July 16, 2012)

10:51 a.m. CDT, July 16, 2012

The drugs recalled are carboplatin, cytarabine, paclitaxel, methotrexate and were distributed nationwide to wholesalers and direct customers.

The Food and Drug Administration said there may be potential for the drugs to come into contact with the embedded particles, and the particles may become dislodged into the solutions.

Injury could result if the solution were injected into a patient, the FDA said. Signs and symptoms might include bleeding, bruising, inflammation, itching, rash, chest pain and respiratory symptoms.

Hospira attributed the root cause to a supplier glass defect and said it was arranging for return and replacement of all recalled products, according to the FDA notice.

Formal recall letters have been distributed within the U.S. along with notification to safety organizations.

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Hospira recalls 4 cancer drugs over glass particles