A warning has been issued after an antibiotic has been recalled due to contamination concerns.
People who use antibiotic Targocid are being told to check the batch number after two batches were found to be contaminated. It comes after at least four people fell ill within hours being given a dose from one of the affected batches.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said the four patients experienced "high grade of fever" around three hours after receiving a dose. It added "due to the out of specification results observed" there is a "potential life threatening or serious risk" to a persons health.
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A notice issued by The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said: "Sanofi UK is initiating an urgent recall of the above batches of Targocid 200mg powder for solution for injection/infusion or oral solution. This is due to out of specification results obtained for bacterial endotoxins, which has been confirmed through testing of retain samples.
"This issue was observed following a medical adverse event, which reported that four patients experienced high grade of fever approximately three hours post-administration of vials from the impacted batches. Due to the out of specification results observed there is a potential life threatening or serious risk to patient health."
Anyone who has the 200mg powder at home has been urged to check whether the batch number is 0J25D1 or 0J25D2. If it is, they are being told to stop taking the antibiotics and seek 'immediate' medical advice.
The batches, which also display the expiry date 30/04/2023, were found to contain high levels of bacterial endotoxins - a toxic compound found in bacterial cell walls that can cause inflammation-related symptoms, high fever, and, in very serious cases, septic shock.
People are also being advised to seek medical advise if they take the medicine and have experienced:
- a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature
- chills and shivering
- cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin
- a fast heartbeat
- fast breathing
- severe breathlessness
- severe muscle pain
- feeling dizzy or faint
- a change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation
- loss of consciousness
- slurred speech
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhoea
- feeling increasingly unwell.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “Patient safety is always our priority. It is vitally important that you check the labels of your Targocid 200mg powder and if the batch number is 0J25D1 or 0J25D2, you should stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional.
"If you are unsure which batch you have been given to use at home, please seek medical advice. Your healthcare professional will arrange a new prescription for you and answer any questions you may have.
“If you are using Targocid 200mg powder and experience any new symptoms, seek medical assistance or visit the nearest accident and emergency centre. Please report any adverse reactions via the Yellow Card scheme website.
“We have taken prompt action to ensure affected batches will no longer be given to patients. Other products containing teicoplanin have not been affected by this recall.”
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