Is a deadly substance lurking in your blood pressure medication? Urgent recall announced!
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For many Americans in the senior community, managing blood pressure is a daily routine that involves careful monitoring and, often, medication.
It's a critical part of maintaining health, particularly for those with a history of heart issues or who are at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
However, a recent incident in the United States has raised alarm bells globally, reminding us of the importance of vigilance when it comes to the medications we rely on. What medication is affected? Are you at risk?
An urgent recall has been issued by Provepharm Inc, a Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical firm, for vials of phenylephrine hydrochloride.
This medication is a common vasopressor used by surgeons to counteract low blood pressure (hypotension) during surgery.
It's a drug that's often on standby in operating rooms and is considered essential for treating sudden drops in blood pressure or serious heart conditions such as an irregular heartbeat, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The recall was initiated after a black particulate matter, which could potentially be fatal, was discovered in a vial of the drug which is a colorless solution.
This is a serious concern, as any contamination in medication could lead to “irritation or swelling” or severe health consequences, including death.
The firm explains, “If the particulate matter enters the blood vessels, it can travel to various organs and potentially blocking blood vessels in the heart, lungs or brain, leading to serious complications such as stroke or even death.”
Particulate matter can contaminate drugs during the manufacturing process and can be in the form of glass, metal, or synthetic materials. It may come from sources like the manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, environment, or the ingredients itself.
The medication in question is typically administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinical setting, either through injection or infusion into a vein, or by injection into a muscle or under the skin.
Provepharm Inc has taken steps to mitigate the issue by notifying distributors and customers, coordinating the return of all recalled products, and instructing those in possession of the recalled 10mL vials to cease use immediately.
The specific product in question can be identified by its lot code “24020027,” with an expiry date of December 2025, and the national drug code (NDC) “81284-213-01.”
Fortunately, to date, there have been no reports of adverse events or injuries associated with the recalled medication.
Anyone in possession of the recalled medication has been advised to stop its usage immediately and return the product.
Consumers are also recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider if they experience any concerns related to the usage of the drug product.
Side effects of phenylephrine that may cause concern include breathing problems, chest pain, unusual sweating, an irregular heartbeat, and feeling faint or lightheaded, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Also read: Recall of popular anti-depressant
Have you or someone you know been affected by a medication recall? Share your experiences in the comments below!
It's a critical part of maintaining health, particularly for those with a history of heart issues or who are at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
However, a recent incident in the United States has raised alarm bells globally, reminding us of the importance of vigilance when it comes to the medications we rely on. What medication is affected? Are you at risk?
An urgent recall has been issued by Provepharm Inc, a Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical firm, for vials of phenylephrine hydrochloride.
This medication is a common vasopressor used by surgeons to counteract low blood pressure (hypotension) during surgery.
It's a drug that's often on standby in operating rooms and is considered essential for treating sudden drops in blood pressure or serious heart conditions such as an irregular heartbeat, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The recall was initiated after a black particulate matter, which could potentially be fatal, was discovered in a vial of the drug which is a colorless solution.
An urgent recall has been issued for vials of phenylephrine hydrochloride used to treat low blood pressure. Image source: Gerald Oswald / Pixabay.
This is a serious concern, as any contamination in medication could lead to “irritation or swelling” or severe health consequences, including death.
The firm explains, “If the particulate matter enters the blood vessels, it can travel to various organs and potentially blocking blood vessels in the heart, lungs or brain, leading to serious complications such as stroke or even death.”
Particulate matter can contaminate drugs during the manufacturing process and can be in the form of glass, metal, or synthetic materials. It may come from sources like the manufacturing equipment, packaging materials, environment, or the ingredients itself.
The medication in question is typically administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinical setting, either through injection or infusion into a vein, or by injection into a muscle or under the skin.
Provepharm Inc has taken steps to mitigate the issue by notifying distributors and customers, coordinating the return of all recalled products, and instructing those in possession of the recalled 10mL vials to cease use immediately.
The specific product in question can be identified by its lot code “24020027,” with an expiry date of December 2025, and the national drug code (NDC) “81284-213-01.”
Fortunately, to date, there have been no reports of adverse events or injuries associated with the recalled medication.
Anyone in possession of the recalled medication has been advised to stop its usage immediately and return the product.
Consumers are also recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider if they experience any concerns related to the usage of the drug product.
Side effects of phenylephrine that may cause concern include breathing problems, chest pain, unusual sweating, an irregular heartbeat, and feeling faint or lightheaded, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Also read: Recall of popular anti-depressant
Have you or someone you know been affected by a medication recall? Share your experiences in the comments below!
