FDA Announces Urgent Recall of Popular Drug

(ReliableNews.org) – Recalls for food and drugs are not uncommon. However, when a pharmaceutical is taken off of shelves, it’s always a big deal. A pharma company recently pulled one of its drugs because of possible contamination.

On March 13, Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced a recall of its Atovaquone Oral Suspension. The FDA published the recall on its website on March 31. The drug is used to treat and prevent pneumonia which is caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci, a fungus that causes infections in people who have difficulty tolerating other drugs. The medication was recalled because of the possible presence of Bacillus cereus bacteria in the medication.

Atovaquone Oral Suspension USP, 750 mg/5 mL by Camber Pharmaceuticals: Recall – Due to Potential Bacillus cereus Contamination in the Product https://t.co/MYaIglrwP7 pic.twitter.com/VaTmS3ohmD

— US FDA MedWatch (@FDAMedWatch) April 3, 2023

Bacillus cereus is a microscopic organism found in food that can cause food poisoning. Most people recover from the symptoms in about 24 hours but those who have compromised or weakened immune systems can develop a serious illness. People who are infected with the bacteria can develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Those who comes down with food poisoning should make sure they stay hydrated. If the illness is severe enough, a doctor might want the patient to receive IV fluids.

The impacted medication is in a 210mL HDPE bottle in a mono carton.

UPC# 331722629218
NDC# 31722-629-21
Lot# E220182
Expiration date 12/2023

Camber Pharmaceuticals is notifying all of the distributors who received the possibly contaminated medication and organizing the returns. Anyone who is experiencing difficulties after taking the drug should reach out to their local doctor. Those who have the recalled medicine in their possession should stop using it and then return it to where they purchased it or throw it out.

Anyone with any questions about the recall should email [email protected] or call 1-877-597-0878. The hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The company said it has not received any reports of illness related to the medication.