10 Most Recent Medical Safety Recalls: August 17, 2023

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues safety alerts as needed to provide timely new safety information on human drugs, medical devices, vaccines, and other products, including biologics, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. The alerts are publicly available at the agency’s MedWatch website and contain “actionable information that may impact both treatment and diagnostic choices for healthcare professional and patient.” (These are the biggest health mistakes people make in the summer.)

The FDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain a website with updated information on food safety recalls. The list updates automatically when a recall notice is issued.

The following list of FDA recalls will be updated when the FDA posts new reports.

Do Not Use These Tests

On August 11, the FDA warned consumers and patients not to use tests manufactured by Universal Meditech Inc. (UMI). The company notified the FDA that it has stopped all operations and is no longer providing support for its tests. The FDA is not able to confirm the performance of UMI’s tests, raising concerns that the tests may not be safe and effective. The products have been recalled by UMI from its distributors, but UMI did not issue a recall notice to consumers. See the FDA Safety Communication for a list of the products covered by this notice.

Tydemy Oral Contraceptive Recalled

On July 28, Lupin Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled two lots of its Tydemy oral contraceptive due to out-of-specification test results. One lot tested low for ascorbic acid (an inactive ingredient) and high for a known impurity. According to the company, “Patients taking Tydemy are advised to continue taking their medication and immediately contact their pharmacist, physician, or medical provider for advice regarding an alternative treatment.” The company is notifying its distributors and customers to arrange for a return of the recalled product lots.

Medtronic Implantable Cardiac Devices Recalled

On July 18, the FDA announced a recall of 348,616 implantable cardiac devices made and sold by Medtronic under a number of brand names. The devices were distributed between October 2017 and June 2023. This is a Class I recall, indicating the use of the devices may cause serious injury or death. The company reports 28 incidents, 22 injuries, and no deaths related to this recall. The company initiated the recall on May 10, 2023.

Do Not Use RoyalVibe Health, CellQuicken, or Well-Being Reality Ultrasound Devices

On July 17, the FDA warned consumers not to use ultrasound devices manufactured and distributed by RoyalVibe Health, CellQuicken, or Well-Being Reality. According to the FDA, the devices have not been reviewed for safety and effectiveness and may result in adverse effects, including pain, burns, and nerve damage, among others. The FDA recommends that consumers not buy or use these devices and should instead seek professional medical care. In late December 2022, the FDA sent a warning letter to the CEO of the three companies regarding the devices.

Inhalation Aerosol Recalled

On July 6, 2023, Mumbai-based Cipla issued a voluntary recall of six batches of its Albuterol Sulfate Inhalation Aerosol, 90 mcg (200 Metered Inhalation) manufactured in November 2021. The drug was sold in the United States, and all batches expire in November of this year. There is a “reasonable probability” that the inhaler will not deliver the recommended dose due to a device defect. The company is notifying distributors and customers to arrange for the return and replacement of defective products. Consumers, distributors and retailers are being told to stop using and discard or return the product to the place of purchase.

Vascular Catheter System Recalled

On June 26, 2023, Teleflex and its Arrow International subsidiary recalled 262,016 Arrow Endurance Extended Dwell Peripheral Catheter systems after receiving 83 complaints that the device can separate or leak when in a patient’s blood vessel. This is a Class I recall, indicating the use of the devices may cause serious injury or death. The company reports 18 injuries and no deaths related to this recall. The company initiated the recall on May 19, 2023.

Packaging Mix-Up With Antipsychotic Drug

On June 14, 2023, Harvard Drug Group, under the label of Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories, initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of Ziprasidone Hydrochloride, used to treat bipolar disorder and other psychotic disorders, was found to contain blister packs labeled as and containing Dronabinol capsules, used to combat nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments.

Wearable Smartphone-Capable Thermometer Recalled

On June 8, 2023, a total of 979 BearCare Walnut Wearable Smart Thermometers were recalled. The devices are intended for home use to monitor the body temperature of infants and children up to 6 years of age. This is a Class I recall, indicating the use of the devices may cause serious injury or death due to the potential for overheating and leakage of corrosive chemicals from the device. The company received five complaints that the rechargeable device caused skin burns and irritation and initiated a recall on May 10, 2023.

Heart Pump Recalled

On May 18, 2023, Abiomed recalled 466 Impella 5.5 with SmartAssist System heart pump after receiving 179 customer complaints related to fluid leakage from the device. This is a Class I recall, indicating the use of the devices may cause serious injury or death. Abiomed reported three injuries and no deaths related to this recall. The company initiated a recall on April 17, 2023.

COVID-19 Home Tests Recalled

On May 25, 2023, SD Biosensor recalled 2.7 million Pilot COVID-19 At-Home Test kits that had been distributed in the United States by Roche Diagnostics after discovering that the liquid solution in the kits may have been contaminated. This is a Class I recall, indicating the use of the devices may cause serious injury or death. The FDA had earlier warned consumers not to use the kits. The company initiated a recall on March 23, 2023.

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