The FDA issued An immediate recall for Sandimmune Oral Solution (Cyclosporine Oral Solution, USP) 100mg/mL. The drug, manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, has been noted to form crystals, resulting in incorrect dosing when taken orally. This could result in rejecting the transplanted organ or overdosing on Cyclosporine. As of the writing of this notice, no adverse events have yet been reported.
SUMMARY
Date of Recall:
Announced: September 11, 2023
Public Notification: September 11, 2023
Name(s) of Drug:
Sandimmune Oral Solution, 100 mg/mL
Cyclosporine Oral Solution, USP, 100 mg/ml
Company Name:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Drug Indication:
Organ Rejection
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriasis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig Disease)
Product Description
Sandimmune oral is distributed in 50 mL bottles packaged in white boxes with blue trim. Each is clearly labeled with the drug name, strength, and lot information. The drug was distributed by pharmacies nationwide starting in April of 2023.
Reason for Recall
Crystallization of the drug within the solution will lead to non-uniform distribution of the drug within the solution. Thus, consumers taking the medication will ingest more or less of the drug than is ordered with each dose.
Impacts
Consumers who ingest the crystals will receive more of the drug than intended. This can lead to Cyclosporine toxicity. Symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and whites of eyes)
- Liver Damage
- Kidney Damage
- Swelling
Consumers who consume the solution after crystals have settled will receive a lower dose of the medication than indicated. This can lead to:
- Rejection of a transplanted organ
- Return of symptoms of psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ALS
Lot Information
Consumers who use Sandimmune Oral Solution, 100 mg/mL, should locate their medication and compare the lot number and expiration date to those below. See below for further instructions if your lot number and expiration date match.
Product Description |
Lot Number |
Expiration Date |
Sandimmune Oral Solution (Cyclosporine, USP) 100 mg/mL |
FX001691 |
12/2025 |
Have you found that your medication is part of the recall? Here’s what you should do:
Consumers
- If you believe you have ingested too high of a dose of the medication, call 911 immediately.
- Call your doctor right away. Ask for a new prescription to replace your recalled medication and report any changes in your symptoms.
- Continue to monitor your health for any adverse symptoms and notify your physician if any concerns are noted.
- Consumers who experience an adverse event should contact Novartis Consumer Interaction Center at 1-888-NOW-NOVA. They are available Mon-Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST). You can also contact them via email at medinfo@ibsapharma.com.
- If you are currently experiencing or have experienced an adverse reaction to this medication (listed above), notify your physician immediately and notify the FDA by calling 1-800-332-1088 or completing an online reporting form.
- Contact MedWaste Management for information and assistance with disposing of the recalled medication.
Retailer
- Examine all inventory and remove stock affected by the recall immediately.
- Contact Novartis at 1-888-669-6682, or you can utilize usdrugsafety.operations@novartis.com to contact them via email. Notify them of any recalled batches that have already been sold to consumers.
- Notify affected consumers of recalled batches that they have already or will receive.
- Contact MedWaste Management for information and assistance with disposing of the recalled medication.
Wholesaler
- Examine all inventory and remove stock affected by the recall immediately.
- Contact Novartis at 1-888-669-6682, or you can utilize usdrugsafety.operations@novartis.com to contact them via email. Notify them of any recalled batches that have already been shipped to retailers.
- Notify affected retailers of recalled batches that they have already or will receive.
- Contact MedWaste Management for information and assistance with disposing of the recalled medication.
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Tammy McKinney, RN, creator of HelpfulHospiceNurse, is a healthcare writer and seasoned registered nurse. With experience in acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation, drug & alcohol, and hospice & palliative care, she combines her medical understanding with her love for writing to educate and inform the public on various health-related topics. You can view a snippet of her portfolio here or contact her directly on LinkedIn!