Health Canada has issued a drug recall notice for two lots of a prescription product called Cayston, used for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Health Canada said that Gilead Sciences Incorporated has recalled two lots — 032168 and 033357 — of the cystic fibrosis drug Cayston (aztreonam) (DIN 02329840) on March 1, due to the potential of cracked glass vials in those lots, which may introduce glass particles into the medication.
The public notice was revealed over the weekend. Cayston is a prescription antibacterial medicine used for the management of chronic infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
If you or someone you know is a patient who uses Cayston, Health Canada advises to check the lot number on your product to determine if you have the recall item. The concern is that the glass vials might contain tiny glass particles that would integrate with the medicine.
"If you have a recalled product, stop taking the medication and contact your pharmacy immediately for a replacement product. If you become aware of any unusual symptoms or side effects that may be associated with this product, immediately contact your healthcare provider," said Health Canada.
Product contamination may lead to localized lung infections, such as pneumonia, or systemic complications, such as bacterial sepsis. Patients with weakened immune systems or abnormal lung function, such as those with cystic fibrosis, may be at higher risk, said the news release.
The manufacturer has not received any customer complaints in relation to cracked glass vials in the recalled lots, or any other Cayston lots distributed in Canada. While the company continues to work with distributors and retailers to inform all affected individuals, Health Canada is communicating, as an additional measure, to mitigate any potential risk to the health of Canadians. The Department is monitoring the company's recall and will inform the public if any new health risks are identified, said Health Canada.
