Fresenius Kabi USA Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Benztropine Mesylate Injection, USP 2 mg/2 mL (1 mg/mL), in 2 mL Single Dose Vials

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. - June 30, 2013 – Fresenius Kabi USA is voluntarily recalling four lots of Benztropine Mesylate Injection, USP, 2 mg/2mL (1mg/mL) in 2 mL single dose vials due to the potential presence of glass particles (glass delamination) in the vials. This recall is being conducted to the user level.

The product is manufactured by Allergy Laboratories, Inc. and distributed by Fresenius Kabi USA. The product may appear with “APP” or “Nexus Pharmaceuticals” labels (see table). The recalled lots are:

No adverse events, patient reactions or customer complaints have been reported to date. The company has discontinued distribution of Benztropine Mesylate while it investigates the cause.

All customers who received the recalled vials are being notified and instructed to return any unused product to Fresenius Kabi USA.

The administration of glass particulate, if present in a parenteral drug, poses a potential safety risk to patients. Case reports suggest that sequelae of thromboembolism, some life-threatening (such as pulmonary emboli), may occur. There have also been reports in the literature of particulate possibly causing phlebitis, mechanical block of the capillaries or arterioles, activation of platelets, subsequent generation of microthrombi, and emboli. Patients with preexisting condition of trauma or other medical condition that adversely affects the microvascular blood supply are at an increased risk. Administration of a glass particulate can also lead to formation of granulomas, which represent a protective local inflammatory response to the foreign material and are typically non-serious.

The defect discovered in this product was noted as visible particulate. However, the process of glass delamination may result in formation of visible and subvisible particles.

Benztropine Mesylate is used as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of Parkinsonism. It is useful also in the control of extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs, except tardive dyskinesia.

To report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of this product, call Fresenius Kabi USA’s Vigilance and Medical Affairs at 1-800-551-7176, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Central Time), or by e-mail at appmedicalinfo@apppharma.com.

Any adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Regular Mail: use postage-paid, pre-addressed Form FDA 3500 available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm. Mail to address on the pre-addressed form.
• Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Additional Fresenius Kabi contact information

Health care professionals can find additional information about the recall on the company’s web site (www.apppharma.com/our-products/product-updates) or by calling Fresenius Kabi USA Quality Assurance at 1-866-716-2459, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Central Time).

Questions regarding product availability and ordering can be directed to Fresenius Kabi USA Customer Service at 1-888-386-1300, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Central Time).

Fresenius Kabi USA is the U.S. subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi, a global health care company that focuses on medicines and medical devices used to care for critically and chronically ill patients inside and outside the hospital.

Media Contact
Matt Kuhn
Senior Director, Communications & Government Affairs
Fresenius Kabi USA
847-969-8026
matt.kuhn@fresenius-kabi.com