Thursday, February 21, 2008

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Daily Digest Bulletin

You have requested to receive a Daily Digest e-mail from U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Message: 1
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:00:28 -0600 (CST)
Subject: FDA Warning Letters Update

You are subscribed to FDA Warning Letters for U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This information has recently been updated, and is now available.


Message: 2
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:20:34 -0600 (CST)
Subject: CDRH New Update

Skip NavigationFDA Logo links to FDA home pageCenter for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHHS Logo links to Department of Health and Human Services website
FDA Home Page | CDRH Home Page | Search | A-Z Index U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCenter for Devices and Radiological Health Questions?
horizonal rule
CDRHNEW Logo Date: February 20, 2008

The following new items were added to the CDRH web pages on February 19, 2008. Previous CDRH New Items can be found on the CDRHNew Page.

* Medical Device Safety Article: Epidural Conduction Device Fractures and Complications of Retained Fragments Text
* Radiological Devices Panel Advisory Meeting, March 4-5, 2008 - Nature and Basis Statements of Conflict(s) of Interest Text
* Risk Communication Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting Text

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Message: 3
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:43:55 -0600 (CST)
Subject: FDA Update for Health Care Professionals - February 20, 2008

Dear Colleague,

 

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep you informed about FDA issues, we want to make you aware of recent safety information, announcements, product approvals, and upcoming meetings.  We have included a list of the issues, a brief summary of each issue, and links to detailed information on the FDA Web site. 

 

PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION

 

Actavis Recalls Certain Fentanyl Patches in the US as Precaution (Feb 17)

 

Actavis Inc., announced that 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII patches sold in the U.S are being voluntarily recalled from wholesalers and pharmacies as a precaution.  The patches being recalled may have a fold-over defect which may cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel.

 

Pricara™ Recalls 25 mcg/hr DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) CII Pain Patches (Feb 12)

PriCara, said that all lots of 25 microgram/hour (mcg/hr) DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) CII patches sold by PriCara in the United States and all 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patches sold by Sandoz Inc. in the U.S. are being voluntarily recalled as a precaution from wholesalers and pharmacies. The patches may have a cut along one side of the drug reservoir within the patch.

Baxter's Multiple-dose Vial Heparin Linked to Severe Allergic Reactions (Feb 11)

FDA announced that Baxter Healthcare Corporation has temporarily stopped manufacturing multiple-dose vials of the injectable blood-thinning drug heparin due to reports of serious allergic reactions and hypotension (low blood pressure) in patients who receive high "bolus" doses of the drug.

*      Click here for a transcript of the February 11, 2008 FDA press conference on Adverse Events Associated with Baxter Healthcare Corporation’s Multiple-Dose Vials of Injectable Heparin.

·        On February 18, 2008, FDA held a follow-up press conference on this topic.  A replay of the briefing is available until March 14 by calling 866-459-3509.

FDA Notifies Public of Adverse Reactions Linked to Botox Use (Feb 8)

FDA notified the public that Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) have been linked in some cases to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses.

*      Click here for a transcript of the FDA press conference on FDA’s Early Communication on Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Myobloc

Chattem Issues URGENT Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Icy Hot® Heat Therapy™ Products (Feb 8)

Chattem, Inc. announced that it is initiating a voluntary Nationwide recall of its Icy Hot Heat Therapy products, including consumer "samples" that were included on a limited promotional basis in cartons of its 3 oz. Aspercreme® product. These products are being recalled because of consumer reports of first, second and third degree burns as well as skin irritation resulting from consumer use or possible misuse of these products.

New Era Canning Company Expands Nationwide Recall (Feb 7)


FDA is alerting consumers, food service operators, and food retailers that New Era Canning Company, New Era, Mich., is broadening its nationwide recall of canned vegetable products for a third time because of the potential for its foods to be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum).

 

PRODUCT APPROVALS:

FDA Clears for Market First Decellularized Heart Valve (Feb 7)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared for marketing the first replacement heart valve from donated human tissue in which the cells have been removed.

 

RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

My Medicines - This Brochure Can be a Lifesaver (Feb 19)

My Medicines, the title of a brochure offered by FDA's Office of Women's Health, can play a vital role in the medical treatment you receive during an emergency.  My Medicines features a chart that allows you to list information about your prescription medicines, including the names of the medicines, how much you take, when you take them, what condition they are treating, and the number of refills.

FDA Proposes Guidance for Dissemination of Information on Unapproved Uses of Medical Products (Feb 15)

FDA issued draft guidance on "Good Reprint Practices" for industry use in the distribution of medical or scientific journal articles and reference publications that involve unapproved uses of FDA-approved drugs and medical devices.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:

FDA Risk Communication Advisory Committee

DATE AND TIME: February 28-29, 8 a.m.
LOCATION:
Washington DC North/Gaithersburg Hilton, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
CONTACT:
Lee L. Zwanziger, Office of the Commissioner, Rockville, Maryland 20857; Phone: 301-827-2895. 
More Information

Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee

DATE AND TIME: February 27-28, 8 a.m.
LOCATION:
Crowne Plaza Silver Spring, The Ballrooms, 8777 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD
CONTACT: Sohail Mosaddegh, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 301-827-7001.
More Information

Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee

DATE AND TIME: March 12-13, 8:00 a.m.
LOCATION:
Holiday Inn, The Ballrooms, 2 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
CONTACT: Nicole Vesely, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 301-827-6793.
More Information

Pediatric Advisory Committee

DATE AND TIME: March 25, 8:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Hilton, Washington DC North/Gaithersburg, Grand Ballroom, 620 Perry Pkwy., Gaithersburg, MD
CONTACT: Carlos Pena, Office of Science and Health Coordination, Office of the Commissioner, 301-827-3340.
More Information

 

If you have any questions, you may send an email to webmail@oc.fda.gov or contact us at the numbers listed below.   If you do not wish to receive this information updates, you may unsubscribe at this link: FDA Consumer Health Information .

 

Sincerely,

 

Brenda L. Evelyn, SBB(ASCP)                                    Janelle Derbis, PharmD

Office of Special Health Issues                                   Office of Special Health Issues

U.S. Food and Drug Administration                          U.S. Food and Drug Administration

5600 Fishers Lane, Room 9-49                                   20 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 510

Rockville, MD 20857                                                  Chicago, IL 60602

(301) 827-4460                                                           (312) 596-6516

(301) 443-4555 (fax)                                                   (312) 886-1682 (fax)

Brenda.evelyn@.fda.hhs.gov                                      Janelle.derbis@fda.hhs.gov


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Wednesday, February 20, 2008

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Daily Digest Bulletin

From: Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) [OHRP-L@LIST.NIH.GOV]
on behalf of Glen Drew [glen.drew@HHS.GOV]
Sent: Friday, February 15, 2008 2:25 PM
To: OHRP-L@LIST.NIH.GOV
Subject: OHRP CONCLUDES CASE REGARDING JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY RESEARCH
ON HOSPITAL INFECTIONS

. . . Encourages Continuance of Work to Reduce Incidence of Catheter- Related Infections; Offers New Guidance for Future Research . . .

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) -- part of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services -- has concluded that Michigan
hospitals can continue implementing a checklist to reduce the rate of
catheter-related infections in intensive care unit settings (ICUs) without
falling under regulations governing human subjects research. Dr. Kristina
C. Borror, director of the office's Division of Compliance Oversight, sent
separate letters to the lead architects of the study, Johns Hopkins
University and the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, outlining
findings and offering researchers additional guidance for future work.

"We do not want to stand in the way of quality improvement activities that
pose minimal risks to subjects," said Dr. Ivor Pritchard, acting director
of OHRP. "HHS regulations provide great flexibility and should not have
inhibited this activity. The regulations are designed to protect human
subjects."

The Johns Hopkins study demonstrated that a comprehensive five-step
program can dramatically reduce the incidence of catheter-borne infections
in ICUs. HHS strongly encourages hospitals nationwide to adopt the
program, which can save thousands of lives and millions of dollars each
year.

OHRP noted that the Johns Hopkins project has evolved to the point where
the intervention, including the checklist, is now being used at certain
Michigan hospitals solely for clinical purposes, not medical research or
experimentation. Consequently, the regulations that govern human subjects
research no longer apply and neither Johns Hopkins nor the Michigan
hospitals need the approval of an institutional review board (IRB) to
conduct the current phase of the project.

In addition, the letters offer new guidance for future quality improvement
research that poses minimal risk to human subjects, such as the Johns
Hopkins study. Dr. Borror wrote that such research would likely have been
eligible for both expedited IRB review and a waiver of the informed
consent requirement.

In response to a written complaint about this research, OHRP opened a
compliance oversight evaluation with the Johns Hopkins University and the
Michigan Health & Hospital Association, regarding allegations of non- compliance with HHS regulations for the protection of human subjects (45
CFR part 46, see

http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm). The
complainant alleged that the research was conducted without prior review
and approval by an IRB and without the informed consent of the human
subjects who participated.

HHS is reviewing the application of these rules to evidence-based quality
improvement activities, like the Johns Hopkins project, and whether any
changes are needed to encourage such work while safeguarding the rights
and welfare of human subjects in research.

You have requested to receive a Daily Digest e-mail from U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Message: 1
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:42:29 -0600 (CST)
Subject: CDRH New Update

Skip NavigationFDA Logo links to FDA home pageCenter for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHHS Logo links to Department of Health and Human Services website
FDA Home Page | CDRH Home Page | Search | A-Z Index U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCenter for Devices and Radiological Health Questions?
horizonal rule
CDRHNEW Logo Date: February 19, 2008

The following new items were added to the CDRH web pages on February 15, 2008. Previous CDRH New Items can be found on the CDRHNew Page.

* Federal Register: Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; Establishing the Performance Characteristics of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for the Detection or Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses; Availability. Text PDF
* Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Coronary and Carotid Embolic Protection Devices - Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions Text PDF

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Message: 2
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:33:25 -0600 (CST)
Subject: MedWatch - Fentanyl transdermal patches: recall due to gel leak that may lead to respiratory depression and overdose

MedWatch logo MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

Actavis Inc. announced a nationwide recall of certain lots of Fentanyl transdermal system CII Patches sold in the United States and labelled with an Abrika or Actavis label. The product may have a fold-over defect which can cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel. Exposure to fentanyl gel may lead to serious adverse events, including respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal. The lots covered by this recall include doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mcg/hr and are listed in the firm's press release.

See the complete MedWatch 2008 safety summary, including a link to the firm's press release, at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Fentanyl


 


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Monday, February 18, 2008

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Daily Digest Bulletin

You have requested to receive a Daily Digest e-mail from U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Message: 1
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 05:05:19 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Actavis Recalls Certain Fentanyl Patches in the US as Precaution (Feb. 17)

Actavis Recalls Certain Fentanyl Patches in the US as Precaution (Feb. 17)
Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:50:00 -0600

The 14 lots of Fentanyl transdermal system patches being recalled may have a fold-over defect which may cause the patch to leak and expose patients or caregivers directly to the fentanyl gel.


Update your subscriptions, modify your e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

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Saturday, February 16, 2008

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Daily Digest Bulletin

You have requested to receive a Daily Digest e-mail from U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Message: 1
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:01:04 -0600 (CST)
Subject: CDRH New Update

Skip NavigationFDA Logo links to FDA home pageCenter for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationHHS Logo links to Department of Health and Human Services website
FDA Home Page | CDRH Home Page | Search | A-Z Index U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCenter for Devices and Radiological Health Questions?
horizonal rule
CDRHNEW Logo Date: February 15, 2008

The following new items were added to the CDRH web pages on February 14, 2008. Previous CDRH New Items can be found on the CDRHNew Page.

* Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Establishing the Performance Characteristics of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for the Detection or Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses Text PDF

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Message: 2
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:05:22 -0600 (CST)
Subject: FDA Proposes Guidance for Dissemination of Information on Unapproved Uses of Medical Products

FDA Proposes Guidance for Dissemination of Information on Unapproved Uses of Medical Products
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:09:00 -0600

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued draft guidance on "Good Reprint Practices" for industry use in the distribution of medical or scientific journal articles and reference publications that involve unapproved uses of FDA-approved drugs and medical devices.


Message: 3
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:05:24 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Sherwood Brands Announces Nationwide Recall of Pokemon Branded Valentine Cards and Pops Because They May Contain Metal Fragments (Feb. 14)

Sherwood Brands Announces Nationwide Recall of Pokemon Branded Valentine Cards and Pops Because They May Contain Metal Fragments (Feb. 14)
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:02:00 -0600

Sherwood Brands LLC is voluntarily recalling approximately 400,000 packages of Pokemon branded "Valentine Cards and Pops" (Item# 073964209109 and Item# 073964289804), because of reports that metal fragments were found in two lollipops purchased in Florida. There are no reports of injury. People who bite into or swallow a metal fragment could possibly be injured.


Message: 4
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:06:39 -0600 (CST)
Subject: PriCara Recalls 25 mcg/hr DURAGESIC (fentanyl transdermal system) CII Pain Patches (Feb. 12)

PriCara Recalls 25 mcg/hr DURAGESIC (fentanyl transdermal system) CII Pain Patches (Feb. 12)
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:02:00 -0600

PriCara, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. said today that all lots of 25 microgram/hour (mcg/hr) DURAGESIC (fentanyl transdermal system) CII patches sold by PriCara in the United States and all 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patches sold by Sandoz Inc. in the United States are being voluntarily recalled as a precaution from wholesalers and pharmacies. The recalled patches all have expiration dates on or before December 2009, and all are manufactured by ALZA Corporation, an affiliate of PriCara. The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All 25 mcg/hr fentanyl patches manufactured by ALZA and sold in Canada also are being recalled.


Message: 5
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:04:24 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Dreyer's Issues Voluntary Recall of Slow Churned Light Caramel Delight and Butter Pecan Ice Cream Flavors for Undeclared Pecans (Jan. 22)

Dreyer's Issues Voluntary Recall of Slow Churned Light Caramel Delight and Butter Pecan Ice Cream Flavors for Undeclared Pecans (Jan. 22)
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:12:00 -0600

The potentially affected cartons are the 1.75-quart size of Dreyer's Slow Churned Light Caramel Delight and Slow Churned Light Butter Pecan ice cream. The sides of the Slow Churned Light cartons identify the flavor as Caramel Delight, but the carton lids identify it as Butter Pecan. The actual flavor of the ice cream may be Butter Pecan erroneously packaged in Caramel Delightcartons, so Dreyer's is recalling the ice cream to avoid any confusion among consumers who may be allergic to pecans.


Message: 6
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:04:47 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company Issues Recall of Low Fat Caramel Popcorn (in the green bag) 9 oz. (Feb. 11)

Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company Issues Recall of Low Fat Caramel Popcorn (in the green bag) 9 oz. (Feb. 11)
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:42:00 -0600

Rocky Mountain Popcorn Company, Centennial, CO is voluntarily initiating a nationwide recall of 1,603 bags of Low Fat Caramel 9 oz. Popcorn (in the green bag). This recall is on the Low Fat variety only. An ingredient in this product has been found to contain a trace amount of tree nuts, which potentially could cause an allergic reaction to any person with a tree nut allergy.


Message: 7
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:04:34 -0600 (CST)
Subject: Nutri-Foods Recalls "Organic Sesame Seeds Natural - Unhulled" Because of Possible Health Risk (Feb. 15)

Nutri-Foods Recalls "Organic Sesame Seeds Natural - Unhulled" Because of Possible Health Risk (Feb. 15)
Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:12:00 -0600

The product comes in a .50 pound clear plastic package with a product SKU #170 at the top and a "packed on" date of December 28. This product was sold from circa December 15, 2007 through January 28, 2008.


Message: 8
From: "U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)" <fda@service.govdelivery.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:55:13 -0600 (CST)
Subject: FDA MedWatch - Duragesic 25 mcg/hr (fentanyl transdermal system) Pain Patches - Recall because some patches may have a cut edge

MedWatch logo MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program

PriCara and Sandoz Inc. announced a nationwide recall of all lots of 25 mcg/hr Duragesic Patches sold in the United States. The product is being recalled because the patches may have a cut along one side of the drug reservoir within the patch which may result in the possible release of fentanyl gel that may expose patients or caregivers directly to fentanyl gel on the skin. Fentanyl is a potent Schedule II opioid medication and exposure to the gel may lead to serious adverse events, including respiratory depression and possible overdose, that may be fatal. Patches with a cut edge should not be used. These recalled patches have expiration dates on or before December 2009 and are all manufactured by ALZA Corporation.

Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including a link to the FDA Firm Press Release regarding this issue at:  

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Duragesic


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GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) · 5600 Fishers Lane · Rockville MD 20857 · 800-439-1420