Medical device and drug recalls, whether voluntary or forced by the FDA, ensure patient safety.
Here is a breakdown of five recalls reported by Becker's Hospital Review in the last three months:
1. Recalled drugs: Valsartan and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide
Reason for recall: A probable human carcinogen, n-nitrosodimethylamine , was found in the products
Date of recall: July 13
Drugmakers: Major Pharmaceuticals, Solco Healthcare and Teva Pharmaceuticals
2. Recalled drugs: Various lots of: Zofran ODT, Entresto, Azithromycin tablets, Donepezil ODT, Haloperidol, Imipramine HCl, Isosorbide Dinitrate, Naratriptan tablets, Ondansetron ODT, Ondansetron tablets, Perphenazine, Risperidone ODT
Reason for recall: Packaging does not meet federal childproofing standards
Date of recall: July 6
Drugmakers: Novartis and Sandoz
3. Recalled drug: Naloxone
Reason for recall: Embedded or loose particulate matter on the syringe plunger
Date of recall: June 4
Drugmaker: Hospira
4. Recalled drug: Taytulla birth control sample packs
Reason for recall: Placebo pills and active capsules were placed in the wrong order
Date of recall: May 29
Drugmaker: Allergan
5. Recalled product: Jaundice Meter JM-103 and Jaundice Meter JM-105
Reason for recall: Newborn injuries after users misinterpreted the device's display
Date of recall: May 21
Devicemaker: Draeger Medical Systems