2002 Safety Alert - Lunelle Monthly Contraceptive Injection (medroxyprogesterone acetate and estradiol cypionate injectable suspension) |
October 10, 2002 |
John Nadelin
Associate Director Corporate Quality Assurance |
Pharmacia Corporation 7000 Portage Road Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001 |
NDC Number
|
Product
|
Lot Number
|
Expiration Date
|
0009-3484-06
|
LUNELLE Monthly Contraceptive Injection (medroxyprogesterone
acetate and
estradiol cypionate injectable suspension), 25 mg/5 mg per 0.5 mL, 0.5 mL syringe |
II0702
|
04/2003
|
IJ0602
|
04/2003
|
||
IJ0151
|
05/2003
|
||
IJ1394
|
05/2003
|
||
IK0786
|
05/2003
|
||
JA0630
|
05/2003
|
||
JA1809
|
05/2003
|
||
JC0691
|
06/2003
|
||
JD1419
|
06/2003
|
||
JD1420
|
06/2003
|
||
JF0689
|
05/2004
|
||
JG0301
|
05/2004
|
||
JG0907
|
06/2004
|
||
0009-3484-98 |
LUNELLE Monthly Contraceptive Injection (medroxyprogesterone
acetate and
estradiol cypionate injectable suspension), 25 mg/5 mg per 0.5 mL, 0.5 mL syringe (physician sample) |
IJ0656
|
04/2003
|
IJ1391
|
05/2003
|
||
IK0779
|
05/2003
|
||
JA1805
|
05/2003
|
Dear Customer:
Pharmacia Corporation is voluntarily recalling Lunelle prefilled syringe lots due to a lack of assurance of full potency and possible risk of contraceptive failure. A recent review of production records indicates the potential for sub-potency. Therefore, as a precaution, we are voluntarily recalling all Lunelle prefilled syringe lots currently on the market and the product will be unavailable for the immediate future. No other Pharmacia products are affected by this recall. This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration and has been designated a Class I recall.
A sub-potent injection of Lunelle may not be effective in the prevention of pregnancy. Therefore, we are instructing pharmacists and physicians who have dispensed Lunelle prefilled syringes to contact all patients and recommend the use of an additional barrier method of birth control (such as condoms, diaphragm, or spermicide), before beginning a new form of hormonal contraception. We are also recommending that physicians perform a pregnancy test for patients currently on Lunelle. Pharmacia will provide suitable pregnancy test kits to physicians for use with patients currently on Lunelle.
Pharmacia will also supply condoms to physicians to provide to Lunelle patients free of charge. To request pregnancy test kits or condoms, please call 866-264-9233.
Customers should also be aware that Pharmacia has issued a press release and is conducting additional outreach efforts regarding this recall, advising women who have been using Lunelle as their contraceptive to seek the advice of their healthcare professional. To assist customers in communicating with patients regarding this recall, we are enclosing a sample patient notification template.
Please complete the steps listed below to assist us in completing this recall. It is important that you carry out these instructions. FDA regulations (21 CFR Part 7.49) state: "Consignees that receive a recall communication should immediately carry out the instructions set forth by the recalling firm "
ACTION:
1. Contact Lunelle patients regarding the recall as instructed above.
2. Discontinue using, dispensing and distributing all Lunelle prefilled syringe
lots and promptly return any inventory according to the instructions below.
3. If you are a wholesaler and have distributed any of the recalled lots, including
distribution to other wholesalers, please contact your accounts that received
the product, advise them of the recall, instruct them to initiate a sub-recall,
and return their outstanding inventory of the recalled lots to the address below.
4. Perform a physical count of your inventory for the recalled lots and complete
the enclosed Business Reply Card.
5. Mail the postage paid Business Reply Card even if you do not have any of
the affected lots. Your response, even if you do not have any recalled product,
is very important to both us and the FDA in monitoring the effectiveness of
this recall.
RETURN OF RECALLED PRODUCT:
If you have any of the recalled products to return, please do so as follows:
a. Complete the enclosed packing slip and include it with your return.
b. Use the pre-paid shipping label provided and forward to:
NNC Group
5250 West 76th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Your account will be credited for the returned product. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing. Handling costs will be reimbursed at reasonable and customary levels determined by Pharmacia. Notification costs incurred by wholesalers will be reimbursed per Healthcare Distribution Management Association guidelines. For questions regarding the return of recalled product, please contact NNC Group toll free at 866-264-9233.
If you have product or medical questions regarding this recall, please call 800-323-4204, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. We appreciate your cooperation and sincerely regret any inconvenience caused by this action.
Sincerely,
John Nadelin
Associate Director, Corporate Quality Assurance
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