Hospira Recalls 3 Sodium Bicarbonate Lots

Hospira has recalled three lots of sodium bicarbonate injection USP, 50 mEq/50 mL (1 mEq/mL) due to the presence of particulate matter, which has been confirmed as glass. “The administration of a glass particulate, if present in an intravenous drug, may result in local irritation or swelling in response to the foreign material,” a recall notice says. The particulate matter could also cause more serious outcomes, including blockage and clotting in blood vessels, it says. To date, Hospira says it has not received reports of any adverse events associated with the issue.

The product is indicated for treating metabolic acidosis which may occur in severe renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, dehydration, severe diarrhea, circulatory insufficiency due to shock, cardiac arrest and severe lactic acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate is also indicated for treating certain drug intoxications.