Recently I have come across several defective Calcium Chloride 10% prefilled syringes with possible manufacturer errors. These syringes were manufacturered by Agila Pharmaceuticals and distributed by Amneal Pharmaceuticals.
- The first manufacturing error is that the syringe tip is molded shut, preventing the medication from being administered.
- The second possible manufacturing flaw is that these syringes are made of glass and are brittle. After the syringe tip is introduced and screwed into the patients IV connector (we use Clave connectors) it will then break off when the syringe is unscrewed.
- This ruins the connector
- This introduces the possibility of administration of glass particles into the patient
I unfortunately do not have a lot number to supply because I returned my defective syringes to the manufacturer to aid in their own investigation. The representative that I talked with stated that there have been some concerns voiced about this product, but as of now there is no recall.
Has your facility had similar issues with this product? If so, have you reported it and what was their response?
Dylan Fotenopulos, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Medicine