0.9 Percent Sodium Chloride Injection, USP (AUTO-C) by Baxter International: Recall - Potential For Leaking Containers, Particulate Matter and Missing Port

AUDIENCE: Pharmacy, Risk Manager

ISSUE: Baxter International Inc. announced a voluntarily recall of one lot of intravenous (IV) solution to the hospital/user level due to the potential for leaking containers, particulate matter and missing port protectors. Leaking containers, particulate matter and missing port protectors could result in contamination of the solution. If not detected, this could lead to a bloodstream infection or other serious adverse health consequences. Injecting a product containing particulate matter, in the absence of in-line filtration, may result in blockage of blood vessels, which can result in stroke, heart attack or damage to other organs such as the kidney or liver. There is also the possibility of allergic reactions, local irritation and inflammation in tissues and organs.

BACKGROUND: The lot being recalled was distributed to customers and distributors nationwide between January 22, 2015 and February 12, 2015. This recall affects the following lot Number: C964601, NDC: 0338-0049-03; Expiration Date: 04/30/2016

RECOMMENDATION: Customers were notified via letter that they should not use product from the recalled lot. Recalled product should be returned to Baxter for credit by contacting Baxter Healthcare Center for Service at 1-888-229-0001, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Central Time. Unaffected lots of product are available for replacement.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Read the MedWatch safety alert, including a link to the press release, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm456793.htm