The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has issued an alert regarding a multi-state outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia infections.
Per CDC guidance, “These infections have occurred primarily in ventilated patients without cystic fibrosis and who are being treated in intensive care units. Preliminary information indicates that a contaminated liquid docusate product might be related to cases in one state. Until more information is available, CDC recommends that facilities not use any liquid docusate products for patients who are critically ill, ventilated, or immunosuppressed. Institutions with non-cystic fibrosis patients in whom there are B. cepacia infections should sequester all liquid docusate products.”
At this time, the FDA has not issued a recall of specific docusate sodium products; however, if you feel a patient meets the above criteria and you would like an alternate therapy recommendation please contact the patient’s physician.
For additional information and updates, please visit the sites below:
- CDC Healthcare-associated Infections: Click here
- FDA Drug Recalls: Click here
