NAFDAC Alerts Hospitals Over Recall of Two Anaesthesia Injections Used in Surgery and ICU Care

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Nigeria’s food and drug regulator, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a public alert about the recall of specific batches of two hospital-use injections commonly used during surgery and in intensive care.

The medicines affected are Mivacron Injection 0.2% (mivacurium) and Nimbex Injection 2mg/mL (cisatracurium), both widely used in operating theatres and ICUs to relax muscles and support general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation.

The recall, according to NAFDAC, is precautionary, but it raises important safety and stock-control questions for hospitals, pharmacists, and patients who have recently undergone surgery.

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What Exactly Is Being Recalled in Nigeria

According to NAFDAC’s public notice:

• One batch of Mivacron Injection 0.2% (mivacurium) is affected
• Five batches of Nimbex Injection 2mg/mL (cisatracurium) are affected

These products are prescription-only, hospital-controlled medicines, meaning they are not sold over the counter or kept in homes.

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Why the Manufacturer Is Recalling These Injections

The recall was initiated by the manufacturer following concerns raised during a review of its inspection and quality assurance process. Specifically, the issue relates to the possibility that glass particles in some ampoules may not have been adequately detected during inspection.

While no widespread injuries have been reported in Nigeria, regulators consider this type of risk serious enough to warrant an immediate recall, especially for injectable medicines used during surgery and critical care.

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Mivacurium and cisatracurium are neuromuscular blocking agents. 

In simple terms, they are used to:

• Relax muscles during surgery
• Assist breathing in patients on ventilators
• Support safe administration of general anaesthesia

Because they are injected directly into the bloodstream, any contamination, including microscopic glass particles, can pose a risk.

This is why regulators act quickly, even when the issue is precautionary.

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Is This a Public Health Emergency?

• These medicines are not commonly used outside hospitals
• They are handled by trained professionals in controlled settings
• Hospitals usually quarantine affected stock immediately once alerts are issued

For the general public, this is not a reason for panic, but it's a precautionary measure and a reminder of why drug safety alerts matter.

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Batch and Expiry Details to Know (For Cross-Checking)

NAFDAC’s public alerts in Nigeria confirm the number of affected batches but do not list batch codes in media summaries.

However, a related safety notice issued in the United Kingdom, addressing the same “possible glass particles” concern, lists the following batches. These details help cross-check stock where supply chains overlap:

Mivacurium Injection

• 2mg/mL (10mg/5mL) - Batch XP1TQ (Expiry: April 2026)
• 2mg/mL (20mg/10mL) - Batch XP1VP (Expiry: December 2025)

Cisatracurium Injection

• 2mg/mL - Batch XP1T8 (Expiry: September 2026)

Hospitals and pharmacies are expected to verify brand name, strength, batch number, and expiry date against official supplier and regulator notices.

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What Patients Should Do (If You Recently Had Surgery)

If you or a loved one recently underwent surgery or ICU care:

• You may contact the hospital or pharmacy connected to the procedure
• Ask if any recalled batches were in their stock at the time
• Hospitals can confirm this easily by checking the lot numbers

Again, there is no need to panic. Hospitals typically remove affected stock promptly once alerts are issued.

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What Hospitals, Clinics, and Pharmacies Should Do

For healthcare facilities, the steps are clear:

• Immediately quarantine any Mivacron or Nimbex stock
• Check batch numbers and expiry dates against recall notices
• Follow safe handling guidance, including:

1. Use of filter needles or in-line filters is advised
2. Careful visual inspection of ampoules

• Report any suspected substandard products through official NAFDAC channels
• Follow the supplier and regulator instructions on return or disposal

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How to Confirm Any Drug Recall Quickly (and Avoid Rumours)

To verify any drug recall accurately:

1. Check the official regulator alert

• NAFDAC (Nigeria)
• FDA (United States)
• MHRA (United Kingdom)

2. Confirm:

• Brand name
• Strength
• Dosage form (tablet, injection, etc.)

3. Match:

• Batch or lot number
• Expiry date

If it matches, stop using the product and follow official guidance.
If it doesn’t, the product is not part of that recall, regardless of social media claims.

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Drug recalls, especially for injectable medicines, are not unusual in regulated systems. What matters is:

• Early detection
• Clear communication, and 
• Swift action by hospitals and regulators

This incident highlights the importance of robust inspection processes, transparent alerts, and responsive healthcare systems, especially for critical care medicines.

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If you’ve heard about another drug recall, or have a screenshot, brand name, or dosage, it’s always better to verify than assume. Accurate information protects patients and prevents unnecessary fear.