APP voluntarily recalls Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection for precautionary measure

APP Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (APP) announced today that it has issued a voluntary recall of five lots of Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, which is used for recurrent or progressive metastatic colorectal cancer. This recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure and there have been no reports to date of adverse events related to the recalled products.

APP has voluntarily recalled lots 870DE00301, 870CZ00301, 870DE00101, 870DE00201 and 870DE00401 of Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection 100mg/5mL, (20mg/mL), 5mL Single Dose Vial and Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, 40mg/2mL, (20mg/mL), 2mL Single Dose Vial. APP decided to take this action due to an atypical trend in customer complaints associated with lot 870DE00301. Three customers reported that they discovered a particulate in the product solution in lot 870DE00301. Upon further investigation of the returned vials, the particulate was confirmed to be a fungal microbial contaminant.

APP's root cause investigation is ongoing; however, APP's preliminary investigation indicates that only products from lot 870DE00301 were involved. As a precautionary measure and in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the lots produced immediately before and after lot 870DE00301 are also being recalled.

APP has initiated this voluntary recall of Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection to the retail level due to the discovery of foreign material and non-sterility in one lot of Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection. Non-sterility of a chemotherapeutic product administered via the intravenous route has the potential to result in infections, which could be fatal, especially in patients who are immunocompromised. APP is not aware of any adverse patient events resulting from this product and is continuing its diligent investigation of the situation. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

APP has placed a copy of the Dear Healthcare Professional letter on its Web site, www.APPpharma.com. Customers with product in stock that has a matching lot number to the Recall Notice should follow the directions listed in the Recall Notice.