Safety Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) routinely publishes a variety of alerts related to the safety of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
The agency receives complaints and other safety-related information from health care providers, manufacturers, and consumers on its MedWatch program.
When the FDA deems it to be appropriate based on the severity of the issue, the volume of complaints, or other factors, it will issue a warning or safety alert to health care providers and the public.
Warnings and safety alerts can include:
- Product issues.
- Ancillary issues that can be a safety hazard, such as labeling.
- Recalls.
- Any other information related to a negative effect on the safety of a product.
Medical Devices and Pharma is focused on providing consumer information regarding medical devices and pharma, and we will report warnings and safety alerts for those products and any that are directly related to their safety.
Formaldehyde in Hair Smoothing Products: Know the Risks
Know the Risks Before You Straighten Thinking of straightening or smoothing your hair? Many salon hair treatments release formaldehyde gas — a known human carcinogen — when heated. This chemical can pose serious short- and long-term health risks to both clients and...
FDA: Do Not Use OTC Products to Remove Moles or Skin Tags
FDA: Do Not Use OTC Products to Remove Moles or Skin Tags Thinking about removing a mole, skin tag, or other skin lesion at home? The FDA strongly advises against it. There are no FDA-approved prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) products for removing moles,...
FDA Alert: Baxter Recalls Spectrum Infusion Pumps
Baxter Spectrum Infusion Pump Alert Date: July 2025Device: Sigma Spectrum Infusion System (V6 and V8 Platforms)Manufacturer: Baxter HealthcareIssue Type: Urgent Medical Device RecallFDA Status: High-risk; active monitoring in progress The FDA has issued an early alert...
How Unsafe Medical Devices Can Slip Through the Cracks
Healthcare professionals and the device industry share responsibility for timely adverse event reportingGlobal device market withdrawals not always followed in US In a world of global trade and instant communication, you might assume that a medical device deemed...
Study Reveals Delays in Medical Device Adverse Event Reporting
Healthcare professionals and the device industry share responsibility for timely adverse event reportingLapses defeat the purpose of adverse event reporting A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has spotlighted a troubling trend: many medical device...
Urgent Recall: Dr. Reddy’s Levetiracetam Injection
What You Need to Know Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has issued an urgent recall for one batch (Lot No: A1540076) of Levetiracetam in 0.75% Sodium Chloride Injection, 1,000 mg/100 mL due to a serious labeling error. The infusion bag is incorrectly labeled as Levetiracetam...