A series of recalls due to the discovery of small particles of glass in multiple life-saving medications used to treat diabetes, kidney disease, and cancer. These recalls are expected to cause a shortage of the vital drugs that will last into the New Year.
Here’s what’s happening. Hospira, which is the subsidiary of Pfizer Pharmaceuticals that makes injectable drugs, has issued a recall for four different life-saving medications. They say they’ve discovered tiny glass particles in the injections that could cause irritations, infections, or even blood clots.
The medicines affected are cancer medication bleomycin, two different doses of sodium bicarbonate, and injectable atropine sulfate.
Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, dehydration, and other issues.
This is not the first time Hospira meds have been recalled due to glass particles and other contamination. Hospira meds have been multiple times over the past six years for contaminations ranging from human hair to glass particles.
The FDA currently lists Sodium Bicarbonate on its drug shortage database.
