Compounding Center Product Recall Has Ophthalmology Implications
From the American Academy of Ophthalmology
A voluntary recall by a compounding pharmacy that has been implicated as the source in a deadly fungal meningitis outbreak has ophthalmology implications. New England Compounding Center, the Framingham, Mass.-based pharmacy, is recalling all products compounded at and distributed from its facility. For ophthalmology practices, this would include Avastin and Phenyltrope. Products from NECC can be identified by markings that indicate the company by its full name or acronym, and/or its logo. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has provided a complete list of all products subject to this recall.
The action is an expansion of an initial voluntary recall by NECC related to lots of products used for intrathecal administration. As of press time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 14 deaths out of the 170 reported cases in 11 states. While there is no indication at this time of contamination in other NECC products, the FDA is communicating that this recall is being taken as a precautionary measure.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of any product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800.332.1088.