Hospira Inc.

Hospira Inc.: 149 FDA recall reports

Every drug recall the FDA has published for Hospira Inc.. The fault, and how the agency graded it.

149Reports
35Class I
10Ongoing
2017-05-31Most recent
35 Class I on this page

Class I means the FDA judged there was a reasonable probability of serious harm or death. Check the lot numbers against anything you hold.

What the classes mean

The FDA sorts every recall into one of three classes. The class is the whole story. It is also the part people skip.

ClassWhat the FDA is saying
Class IThere is a reasonable probability that using this will cause serious harm or death.
Class IIIt may cause temporary or reversible harm. Serious harm is unlikely.
Class IIIIt breaks a rule but is unlikely to hurt anyone. Often a labelling fault.

Class II is the bulk of every list here. That matters. A long list of Class II says something different from one Class I.

By class

ClassReports
Class II102
Class I35
Class III12

By year reported

YearReports
201214
201350
201439
201528
201617
20171
Checking whether it affects you

The lot or code number is what matters. Not the product name. A recall covers specific lots. Yours may not be one of them.

Check the code on your package against the report. The FDA keeps the current list at fda.gov/safety/recalls.

The reports

The text below is quoted from the FDA record word for word.

Class I

Infant 25% DEXTROSE Injection, USP, 2.5 g (250 mg/mL), 10 mL Unit of Use Single-dose Syringe per carton, Rx on

D-0862-2017  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2017-05-31  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: human hair found within an internal sample syringe.
Product
Infant 25% DEXTROSE Injection, USP, 2.5 g (250 mg/mL), 10 mL Unit of Use Single-dose Syringe per carton, Rx only, Hospira Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-1775-10
Where it went
Nationwide in the USA and Puerto Rico
How much
71,550 syringes

5% Lidocaine HCL and 7.5% Dextrose Injection, USP, 2 mL Single-dose ampule, 5 count box, Rx Only, For Spinal A

D-0169-2017  ·  Class III  ·  reported 2016-12-14  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Failed Stability Specifications: The recalled lots did not meet the specification for color and pH throughout shelf life.
Product
5% Lidocaine HCL and 7.5% Dextrose Injection, USP, 2 mL Single-dose ampule, 5 count box, Rx Only, For Spinal Anesthesia Only, Manufactured by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-4712-01
Where it went
US and Puerto Rico
How much
287,200 2 mL ampules

Fentanyl Citrate Injection, USP, 100 mcg Fentanyl/ 2mL, Single Dose, 50 mcg/mL, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake F

D-0153-2017  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-11-30  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Lack of Assurance of Sterility: Complaints of broken tips on the ampules.
Product
Fentanyl Citrate Injection, USP, 100 mcg Fentanyl/ 2mL, Single Dose, 50 mcg/mL, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest IL 60045, NDC 0409-4093-32
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
797,800 ampules

DOBUTamine Injection, USP 250 mg/20 mL, 20 mL Vial, For IV Use Only, Must be Diluted Prior to Use, (12.5 mg pe

D-1500-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-09-21  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Discoloration: Firm received complaints of product discoloration and particulates.
Product
DOBUTamine Injection, USP 250 mg/20 mL, 20 mL Vial, For IV Use Only, Must be Diluted Prior to Use, (12.5 mg per mL), Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA, NDC 0409-2025-20
Where it went
Product was distributed nationwide. 23700 units distributed to US and Puerto Rico, and Bahamas was 300 units. 30 units returned by customer and destroyed internally.
How much
24000 vials

Diazepam Injection USP 10mg/2mL (5 mg/mL, 2 mL), Rx only, Hospira Inc. Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-1273-3

D-1359-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-07-20  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Crystallization: Product contains particulate identified to be crystallized active ingredient.
Product
Diazepam Injection USP 10mg/2mL (5 mg/mL, 2 mL), Rx only, Hospira Inc. Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-1273-32
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
373,850 tubes
Class I

Magnesium Sulfate Inj., USP 50%, 10 g/20 mL (0.5 g/mL), (4 mEq Magnesium/mL, 20 mL Single-dose vial, packaged

D-1137-2016  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2016-07-13  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: Confirmed customer complaint for the presence of particulate matter.
Product
Magnesium Sulfate Inj., USP 50%, 10 g/20 mL (0.5 g/mL), (4 mEq Magnesium/mL, 20 mL Single-dose vial, packaged in 25 vials per box, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-2168-02, barcode (01) 2 030409 216802 5.
Where it went
Nationwide, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain
How much
88,500 vials

Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP, 10 g, 100 mL vial, Rx only, Hospira, Lake Forest, IL, NDC 0409-65

D-1033-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-06-22  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: Cardboard
Product
Vancomycin Hydrochloride for Injection, USP, 10 g, 100 mL vial, Rx only, Hospira, Lake Forest, IL, NDC 0409-6510-01
Where it went
Nationwide
Class I

8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 50mEq (1mEq/mL), 4.2 grams (84 mg/mL), 50 mL, Rx only, Hospira Inc, Lak

D-0865-2016  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2016-06-01  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: particulate matter identified as an insect in one vial.
Product
8.4% Sodium Bicarbonate Injection, USP 50mEq (1mEq/mL), 4.2 grams (84 mg/mL), 50 mL, Rx only, Hospira Inc, Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-6625-02
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
72,000 units

Magnesium Sulfate Inj., USP 50%, 10 g/20 mL (0.5 g/mL), (4 mEq Magnesium/mL, 20 mL Single-dose vial, packaged

D-0854-2016  ·  Class III  ·  reported 2016-05-25  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Failed pH Specifications: Confirmed high out of specification (OOS) results for pH.
Product
Magnesium Sulfate Inj., USP 50%, 10 g/20 mL (0.5 g/mL), (4 mEq Magnesium/mL, 20 mL Single-dose vial, packaged in 25 vials per box, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-2168-02, barcode (01) 2 030409 216802 5.
Where it went
Nationwide, Puerto Rico, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Trinidad & Tobago
How much
715,200 vials

Quelicin (Succinylcholine Chloride) Injection, USP 200 mg. (20 mg/mL), 10 mL Multiple-dose vial, packaged in 2

D-0836-2016  ·  Class III  ·  reported 2016-05-11  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Labeling: Incorrect or Missing Lot and/or Exp Date: Potential for the lot number and/or expiration date to be faded or missing from the primary label on the glass vial.
Product
Quelicin (Succinylcholine Chloride) Injection, USP 200 mg. (20 mg/mL), 10 mL Multiple-dose vial, packaged in 25 Unit vials per carton, Rx only, HOSPIRA, INC., LAKE FOREST, IL 60045 USA, NDC 0409-6629-02
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
103,600 vials

Dextrose Injection, USP, 20%, Packaged as 500 mL in 1000 mL Bags, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 600

D-0829-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-04-27  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Chemical Contamination: Potential for contamination of the products with an aromatic hydrocarbon resin.
Product
Dextrose Injection, USP, 20%, Packaged as 500 mL in 1000 mL Bags, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7935-19, Barcode (01) 0 030409 793519 2
Where it went
US: Nationwide and Singapore
How much
552 bags

Mannitol I.V., 20%, USP (20 g/ 100 mL), Packaged in 250 mL Bags, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 6004

D-0831-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-04-27  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Chemical Contamination: Potential for contamination of the products with an aromatic hydrocarbon resin.
Product
Mannitol I.V., 20%, USP (20 g/ 100 mL), Packaged in 250 mL Bags, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC: 0409-7715-02, Barcode (01) 0 030409 771502 2
Where it went
US: Nationwide and Singapore
How much
22292 bags

Dextrose Injection, USP, 50%, Packaged as 500 mL in 1000 mL Bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 6004

D-0828-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-04-27  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Chemical Contamination: Potential for contamination of the products with an aromatic hydrocarbon resin.
Product
Dextrose Injection, USP, 50%, Packaged as 500 mL in 1000 mL Bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7936-19, Barcode (01) 0 030409 793619 9
Where it went
US: Nationwide and Singapore
How much
4368 bags

Dextrose Injection, USP, 70%, Packaged as 500 mL in 1000 mL Bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 600

D-0827-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-04-27  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Chemical Contamination: Potential for contamination of the products with an aromatic hydrocarbon resin.
Product
Dextrose Injection, USP, 70%, Packaged as 500 mL in 1000 mL Bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7918-19, Barcode (01) 0 030409 791819 5
Where it went
US: Nationwide and Singapore
How much
11256 bags

Potassium Chloride Injection 20 mEq, 400 mEq/L, Packaged in 50 mL Bags, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, I

D-0832-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-04-27  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Chemical Contamination: Potential for contamination of the products with an aromatic hydrocarbon resin.
Product
Potassium Chloride Injection 20 mEq, 400 mEq/L, Packaged in 50 mL Bags, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7077-14
Where it went
US: Nationwide and Singapore
How much
81888 bags

Aminosyn-PF (amino acids) 7%, Sulfite-Free, 500 mL Bags, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC: 0

D-0830-2016  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2016-04-27  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Chemical Contamination: Potential for contamination of the products with an aromatic hydrocarbon resin.
Product
Aminosyn-PF (amino acids) 7%, Sulfite-Free, 500 mL Bags, Rx Only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC: 0409-4178-03 Barcode (01) 0 030409 417803 5
Where it went
US: Nationwide and Singapore
How much
1776 bags

Normosol-M and 5% Dextrose (multiple electrolytes and 5% dextrose) Injection Type 1, USP, 1000 mL Single-Dose

D-0727-2016  ·  Class III  ·  reported 2016-03-02  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Labeling: Incorrect or Missing Lot and/or Exp Date: Confirmed customer report of an incorrect expiration date printed on the primary container labeled "01AUG1017" rather than "01AUG2017".
Product
Normosol-M and 5% Dextrose (multiple electrolytes and 5% dextrose) Injection Type 1, USP, 1000 mL Single-Dose Container bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7965-09, Barcode (01) 0 030409 796509 0.
Where it went
Nationwide and Hong Kong
How much
10,778 bags
Class I

Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection, (0.325 mEq Mg++/mL) 40 mg/mL, 2 g Total, 50 mL Single-Dose Container

D-0668-2016  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2016-02-24  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Labeling: Incorrect Barcode: Primary bag labeling may be mislabeled with the wrong barcode which scans in as heparin sodium.
Product
Magnesium Sulfate in Water for Injection, (0.325 mEq Mg++/mL) 40 mg/mL, 2 g Total, 50 mL Single-Dose Container bag, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-6729-24.
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
213,600 bags

Amidate (Etomidate Injection, USP), 40 mg/20 mL (2 mg/mL), LifeShield, 20 mL, Glass Abboject Syringe with male

D-0054-2016  ·  Class III  ·  reported 2015-10-28  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications: Out of Specification(OOS) results for degradation product of etomidate was confirmed during stability testing.
Product
Amidate (Etomidate Injection, USP), 40 mg/20 mL (2 mg/mL), LifeShield, 20 mL, Glass Abboject Syringe with male luer lock adapter, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-8060-29
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
24,100 Syringes

1% Lidocaine HCl Injection, USP, 10 mg/mL, 30 mL Vial, Single-dose Preservative Free, Rx only, Hospira, Inc.,

D-1815-2015  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2015-09-30  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: particulate matter identified as iron oxide, was found embedded in the neck of glass vials.
Product
1% Lidocaine HCl Injection, USP, 10 mg/mL, 30 mL Vial, Single-dose Preservative Free, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, USA, NDC 0409-4279-02
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
100,200 Vials

Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP (100 mg/mL) packaged in 5 mL multi-dose glass fliptop vials, 10 vials pe

D-0418-2015  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2015-09-23  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Defective Container: There were customer complaints of cracked and leaking glass vials.
Product
Ketamine Hydrochloride Injection, USP (100 mg/mL) packaged in 5 mL multi-dose glass fliptop vials, 10 vials per box, Rx only, Manufactured by: Hospira Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045. NDC 00409-2051-05
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
83,320 vials

KETOROLAC Tromethamine Inj., USP, 30 mg (30 mg/mL), 1 mL Fill, Single-dose Vials, I.V/I.M. USE, Hospira, Inc.,

D-1241-2015  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2015-07-22  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Crystallization; identified as calcium salt of Ketorolac
Product
KETOROLAC Tromethamine Inj., USP, 30 mg (30 mg/mL), 1 mL Fill, Single-dose Vials, I.V/I.M. USE, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 --- NDC 0409-3795-01 --- Also labeled under NOVAPLUS label NDC 0409-3795-49
Where it went
Nationwide, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada and Singapore
How much
12,460,975 vials(Hospira label); 3,016,500 vials (NOVAPLUS label)

KETOROLAC Tromethamine Inj., USP, 60 mg (30 mg/mL), 2 mL Fill Single-dose Vials, I.V/I.M. USE, Hospira, Inc.,

D-1242-2015  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2015-07-22  ·  Ongoing

Why it was recalled
Crystallization; identified as calcium salt of Ketorolac
Product
KETOROLAC Tromethamine Inj., USP, 60 mg (30 mg/mL), 2 mL Fill Single-dose Vials, I.V/I.M. USE, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 --- NDC 0409-3796-01 ---- ALSO labeled under NOVAPLUS label NDC 0409-3796-49
Where it went
Nationwide, Puerto Rico, Guam, Canada and Singapore
How much
5,214,900 vials (Hospira label); 250,600 vials (NOVAPLUS label)

0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP, 50 mL ADD-Vantage Unit, Rx only, Manufactured by Hospira, Inc., Ausitn, TX

D-1240-2015  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2015-07-22  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Lack of assurance of sterility: Potential channel leaks near the threaded vial port.
Product
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection USP, 50 mL ADD-Vantage Unit, Rx only, Manufactured by Hospira, Inc., Ausitn, TX 78728, NDC 00409-7101-68
Where it went
United States
How much
314600 bags

Magnesium Sulfate Injection, USP, 50%, 20mL, Single dose Fliptop Vial, For IV or IM use, Rx only, Manufactured

D-1232-2015  ·  Class III  ·  reported 2015-07-15  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Failed pH Specifications: 12 month stability testing
Product
Magnesium Sulfate Injection, USP, 50%, 20mL, Single dose Fliptop Vial, For IV or IM use, Rx only, Manufactured by Hospira, Inc. 4285 Wesleyan Blvd Rocky Mount, NC 27804 for Hospira, Inc. 275 N Field Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045. NDC 0409-2168-02
Where it went
U.S. Nationwide, Kuwait, Bahrain and Israel.
How much
106,900 vials
Class I

Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Inj., USP, 0.5% (5 mg/mL), Preservative-Free, 30 mL Single Use Vials, Rx only. HOSP

D-1216-2015  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2015-07-15  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: Presence of free-floating and embedded iron oxide particles.
Product
Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Inj., USP, 0.5% (5 mg/mL), Preservative-Free, 30 mL Single Use Vials, Rx only. HOSPIRA, INC., LAKE FOREST, IL 60045 USA. NDC: 0409-1162-02.
Where it went
U.S. Nationwide including Guam.
How much
150,950 Vials
Class I

LACTATED RINGER'S IRRIGATION, USP, 3000 mL flexible container bag, Rx Only, Manufactured by Hospira, Inc., Lak

D-1108-2015  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2015-06-03  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Non-Sterility: Confirmed customer report of dark, fibrous particulates floating within the solution of the primary container, which were subsequently identified as mold
Product
LACTATED RINGER'S IRRIGATION, USP, 3000 mL flexible container bag, Rx Only, Manufactured by Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7828-08.
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
24,744 flexible container bags
Class I

MAGNESIUM SULFATE IN 5% DEXTROSE INJECTION, USP, 10 mg/mL; 100 mL bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL

D-1076-2015  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2015-05-20  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Labeling: Wrong Bar Code: There is a potential for some units to be mislabeled with an incorrect barcode on the immediate container that scans as heparin sodium 2000 USP units/1000 mL in 0.9% in sodium chloride injection.
Product
MAGNESIUM SULFATE IN 5% DEXTROSE INJECTION, USP, 10 mg/mL; 100 mL bag, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-6727-23, UPC (01) 0 030409 672723 1.
Where it went
Nationwide
How much
181,704 bags
Class I

0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 250 mL, Rx only, VisIV Container, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045,

D-0976-2015  ·  Class I  ·  reported 2015-05-13  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Presence of Particulate Matter: Confirmed finding of human hair floating in IV solution.
Product
0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, 250 mL, Rx only, VisIV Container, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045, NDC 0409-7983-25.
Where it went
Nationwide.
How much
9,912 VisIV flex containers

Ketorolac Tromethamine Inj. USP, 30 mg (30 mg/mL), 1 mL Fill, Single-dose vial, Rx Only, Hospira Inc., Lake Fo

D-0972-2015  ·  Class II  ·  reported 2015-05-06  ·  Terminated

Why it was recalled
Crystallization
Product
Ketorolac Tromethamine Inj. USP, 30 mg (30 mg/mL), 1 mL Fill, Single-dose vial, Rx Only, Hospira Inc., Lake Forest, IL --- NDC 00409-3795-01--- Also labeled under NOVAPLUS label NDC 00409-3795-49
Where it went
Nationwide, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Showing the 30 most recent of 149. The rest are searchable at the FDA enforcement report database.

Read these counts with three things in mind

A firm with more recalls usually makes more products. A contract packer runs hundreds of lines. It will out-recall a company with one product whatever either does. This is not a safety ranking.

Most recalls here are voluntary. A firm found its own fault and pulled the stock. That is the system working. It lands in this database looking the same as a recall the FDA had to push for.

Terminated means the FDA considers the recall finished. It is not a verdict. It does not mean anyone was harmed.

Source: openFDA enforcement reports, retrieved 2026-08-05. FDA dataset last updated 2026-07-29.

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