Pharma Agency recalls Propofol upon finding particulate matter

International pharmaceutical company Hospira Inc. has issued a recall for Hospira Propofol Injectable Emulsion 1% last November 6 2009, after amounts of particular matter were found in the product.

The recall targets 73 lots of the product distributed between July and October of 2009, with lot numbers beginning with either 79 or 80.

The particles were said to have originated from the company’s stainless steel manufacturing equipment used in the creation of the Propofol batch.

Hospira cautioned that the particles, upon entering the patient’s blood stream, could cause serious, life-threatening physical effects, including kidney failure, liver failure, heart attacks, respiratory failure, blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and death.

It could also lead to Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), which could aggravate whatever physical damages already caused by the particles.

Despite the indicated dangers, Hospira has assured that the specific cause of the tainted Propofol has been identified, and the company has taken the necessary steps and precautions to remedy the manufacturing problem.

There have been no reports of any injuries or dangerous events that have taken place due to the use of the Propofol.

Propofol is a type of generic hypnotic agent used for both sedative and anesthetic purposes. It is also sold under brand names Diprivan by AstraZeneca.

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