Glaucoma drug recalled as contaminated drug could cause blindness

Pharmaceutical companies have a huge responsibility when it comes to manufacturing and distributing drugs used by the masses. After last year’s meningitis outbreak, as discussed in last week’s post, Missouri residents know contaminated drugs can cause serious side effects and result in permanent disability or death. When that happens, the makers of the drugs or those responsible for its proper labeling and distribution can and should be held responsible for any injuries that result from the defective drug.

Recently, pharmaceutical company Mobius Therapeutics LLC instituted a voluntary recall of its Mitosol drug, specifically the 0.2 mg/vial kits that are used in glaucoma surgery. The drugs could be contaminated with yeast and, as we learned with the steroids contaminated with fungus, if the drugs are indeed contaminated and used the results can be disastrous. The company warned that using the kits containing the potentially contaminated glaucoma drug could result in blindness.

The company insists people immediately stop use of the affected products and recalled two lots of the drug. The lot numbers are M098260 and M086920 and both have expiration dates in August of this year. The drugs were distributed in several states, including Missouri. The company said that it has attempted to contact recipients of the kits through phone calls, email and written notifications, including making arrangements for the return of any unused product for replacement.

Although the company claims it has not received any reports or complaints of adverse events related to the drugs that does not mean there have not been or will be any issues. Since pharmaceutical companies regularly recall dangerous drugs they know how difficult it can be to get the message across to all potentially affected parties. When the FDA gets involved, the message is more likely to be heard by those who need to know; however when it involves a voluntary recall such as this one, it may be difficult to contact all parties who have inventory or access to the drug.

Source: RTT News, “Mobius Recalls Glaucoma Drug Due To Possible Yeast Contamination,” Jan. 11, 2013

Our St. Louis, Missouri, law firm handles a wide range of pharmaceutical litigation matters, including dangerous and defective drug claims, similar to the issues discussed above.