Drug Quarantine Update for InterPharma Sodium Chloride 0.9%

Further to DrugAlert volume 898, HPS Pharmacies wish to give notice that InterPharma has extended the quarantine to include all batches of Sodium Chloride 0.9% 30mL irrigation Solution. The batches currently affected by this quarantine are shown below.

InterPharma Sodium Chloride 0.9% 10mL ampoules:

• 2304400
• 2301530
• 2301531
• 2207874

InterPharma Sodium Chloride 0.9% 30mL ampoules:

• ALL batches

InterPharma advise that alternative options for the 30mL irrigation solution include unaffected batches of Sodium Chloride 0.9% for Injection ampoules (10mL or 20mL) or Sodium Chloride 0.9% Irrigation sachets (30mL).

This urgent product quarantine has been initiated owing to possible contamination with Ralstonia pickettii. Whilst this has not yet been confirmed, as a precaution, products from the affected batches should be removed from use immediately and quarantined until further notice.

Please inspect your stock and quarantine all affected products. If HPS Pharmacies provide imprest management services to your facility, an HPS representative will inspect all stock stored in the designated imprest areas at the earliest opportunity. All affected products will be quarantined, and HPS Pharmacies will arrange for replacement stock as soon as possible. An HPS Pharmacies staff member will contact senior medical and nursing staff if there is an immediate impact to your facility.

Retain this notice in a prominent position, including in other related business units for one month. Report any problems identified with medicines, vaccines or medical devices to the TGA.

Should you require further information regarding this matter, please contact InterPharma on 1300 308 213 or your pharmacist at HPS Pharmacies.

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