LAKE FOREST, Ill., - Hospira, Inc. (NYSE: HSP), announced today it has initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of 1% Lidocaine HCI Injection, USP, 10 mg/mL, 20 mL Multiple-dose Fliptop Vial, NDC 0409-4276-01 Lot 25-090-DK (the lot number may be followed by 01 or 02). This action is due to one confirmed customer report of visible particulate, identified in the primary container, in the form of dark red/black particles. The particulate was identified as oxidized stainless steel.

In general, injected particulate matter may result acutely in local inflammation, phlebitis, and/or low-level allergic response through mechanical disruption of tissue or immune response to the particulate. Capillaries, which may be as small as the size of a red blood cell, may become occluded. Chronically, following sequestration, some granuloma formation may occur in the lungs.

The presence of oxidized stainless steel particulate may potentially put a patient at risk from a strong magnetic field exposure such as with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If a metal particle in the lung becomes dislodged and pulled through tissue, possibly causing a pneumothorax or hemothorax, urgent and significant medical intervention may be required.

Depending on the particle size, if undetected, it could block administration of the drug to the patient, causing a delay in therapy. Impact to the patient would depend on the time it would take to obtain a new vial, the condition being treated and the patient’s status.

To date, Hospira has not received reports of any adverse events associated with this issue for this lot. The recall is being conducted as a precautionary measure. The root cause has not been determined and is under investigation. Hospira informed customers of the issue in a letter dated Sept. 16, 2013.

This lot was distributed March 2013 through June 2013.

Anyone with an existing inventory should stop use and distribution, quarantine the product immediately, and call Stericycle at 1-866-364-8812 between the hours of 8am to 5pm ET, Monday through Friday, to arrange for the return of the product. Replacement product from other lots is available.

For clinical inquiries, please contact Hospira using the information provided below.