[Posted 08/09/2013]

AUDIENCE: Pharmacy, Patient, Health Professional

ISSUE: Bacterial infections have been potentially associated with contaminated calcium gluconate infusions produced by Specialty Compounding, Cedar Park, TX.

FDA has received reports of 15 adverse events experienced by patients in two hospitals. The 15 patients received an infusion of calcium gluconate 2 grams in Sodium Chloride 0.9% for Injection, which was supplied by Specialty Compounding. The patients then developed bacterial bloodstream infections caused by Rhodococcus equi. These infections are thought to be related to the infusions. Cultures from an intact sample of calcium gluconate compounded by Specialty Compounding show growth of bacteria that are consistent with Rhodococcus species.

FDA is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas state officials to investigate the cause of these bacterial infections.

BACKGROUND: Calcium gluconate by infusion can be used to treat conditions associated with low calcium levels in certain circumstances.

RECOMMENDATION: FDA is alerting health care professionals not to use any sterile products supplied by Specialty Compounding, Cedar Park, TX.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[08/09/2013 - Alert - FDA]

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