Local hospitals reassure patients in wake of nationwide drug recall

Ameridose, an out-of-state firm that sells hospital drug products locally and nationwide, will remain closed for at least two more weeks because of a continuing investigation of its sterility practices, the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy announced Friday.

Ameridose sells more than 2,200 blended drug products in injectable and oral syringes as well as intravenous medicine bags. Because the company supplies more than 3,000 hospitals, the situation has raised concerns about a possible shortage of some drugs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday that it has identified six Ameridose products on the FDA critical shortage list. Ameridose recalled all of its products on Oct. 31 while the FDA and Massachusetts investigate its sterility practices. In response to the situation, the FDA has requested that manufacturers ramp up production, if they are willing and able.

Roper Saint Francis Healthcare, which includes Roper Hospital, Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and Roper Hospital Mount Pleasant, said in a statement issued Thursday that the recall is a precautionary, voluntary action by Ameridose.

“In keeping with our patient safety standards, we immediately began assessing system supplies and pulling those identified as sourced from Ameridose in order to comply with the voluntary recall,” said spokeswoman Kim Keelor.

Keelor said RSFH had removed all Ameridose product as of Thursday. She noted that no tainted drugs or sickness had been linked to Ameridose drugs, and that the FDA was not requiring notification of patients treated with Ameridose product.

“Alternative medications for our patients using RSFH pharmacies are already being sought and supplied,” Keelor said. “We are assessing how many products were purchased, however, patients should not be concerned as all existing inventory has been eliminated.”

East Cooper Medical Center said it had sequestered and removed Ameridose products from its hospital inventory.

“Patient safety is our top priority,” said spokeswoman Kari Davis.

No instances of infection or other patient harm have been identified in those who received recalled Ameridose products, she said.

“The FDA acknowledged that drug shortages may result from this recall, and we are working with the agency and others to identify additional manufacturers as needed,” Davis said.

Read more in upcoming editions of The Post and Courier.