FDA Patient Safety News: Show #95, February 2010

You can find more information about FDA Patient Safety News, and watch or download the video program on our web site (http://www.fda.gov/psn). Stories in the February 2010 edition include:

Caution on Powerheart and CardioVive Automated External Defibrillators
Affected devices may malfunction unexpectedly and self-test feature may not show a problem…

Cardiovascular Problems with Lexiva
Patients should have their cholesterol and triglycerides tested before starting therapy with Lexiva and at periodic intervals during treatment…

FDA Recommendations on STERIS SYSTEM 1 Processor
Facilities should take steps to transition to legally marketed alternatives to the SS1; recommended time period for transition extended to 18 months…

Chondrolysis with Continuously Infused Local Anesthetics
Local anesthetics are not approved for intra-articular infusions, or for use in infusion devices like elastomeric pumps…

Synex II Spinal Implant Recalled
Because of the potential for these devices to collapse, patients who already have these implants should receive annual radiographic exams and pain assessment…

New Warnings on Norpramin
Use extreme caution when giving this drug to patients with a family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, and cardiac conduction disturbances…

Preventing Cross-Contamination in Endoscope Processing
Continuing reports of processing errors prompt joint communication from FDA, CDC and VA…

Mixups between Kapidex and Casodex
ISMP recommendations to help prevent these potentially serious mixups…

open here, please:
Show #95, February 2010