Lack of Sterility Assurance Spurs Compounding Pharmacy Recall

Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all of its unexpired lots of sterile compounded products, including injectable medications, eye drops, sterile solutions, and eye ointments, out of concern for sterility assurance.

These products were distributed to patients, physicians, and veterinarians in California between January 1, 2015, and January 14, 2016.

Patients should stop using the products and contact Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy to return any unused product. If consumers experience adverse effects, they should contact their health care provider.

“Abbott's Compounding Pharmacy deeply regrets any disruption that this voluntary recall and temporary suspension of sterile compounding services have on its customers but notes that safety and quality are its primary concerns,” a press release stated.

To date, the company has not received any reports of adverse effects from the tainted products. However, microbial contamination in products meant to be sterile can lead to serious or life-threatening injuries.

The FDA encourages the public to report any effects to its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.