Remdesivir Recalled by Gilead After Glass Found in COVID-19 Drug

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Remdesivir Recall Overview:

• Why: Two specific lots of the injectable drug may be contaminated with glass particles which could lead to stroke and death.
• Who: Gilead Sciences Inc. recalled thousands of Veklury, or remdesivir, vials.
• Where: The recall spans nationwide.

Remdesivir, also called Veklury, has been recalled by manufacturer Gilead Sciences Inc, after reports of glass particulate contamination in two lots. 

Administered via injection, remdesiver contaminated with glass particulates may result in irritation or swelling at the site of the injection, according to Gilead’s recall notice. If the glass reaches blood vessels, it may block blood vessels in the heart, lungs, or brain which can lead to stroke and death.

Gilead has not received any reports of adverse effects due to this remdesiver recall. However, the recall was triggered by a customer complaint, which was corroborated by Gilead’s own investigation. The US Food and Drug Administration is aware of the recall. 

The recall affects up to 55,000 vials, company spokesman Chris Ridley told Bloomberg. The affected product is Veklury (remdesivir 100mg for injection) with the FDA National Drug Code of 61958-2901-02. The affected lot numbers are:

• 2141001-1A, which was distributed nationwide to US wholesalers between 10/25/21 and 10/26/2021
• 2141002-1A, which was distributed nationwide to US wholesalers between 10/26/21 and 11/02/2021

Both lots carry an expiration date of January 2024. 

In October 2020, the FDA approved Veklury as a treatment for certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Approved patients are those who are 12 years of age or older and weigh 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds) or more.

Remdesiver Recall Next Steps

Gilead says it is working to notify Veklury distributors and customers via UPS next day air mail to hospital pharmacies, according to the recall notice. The company is also handling the return of any remaining vials from the affected lots. 

Hospitals that have affected Veklury vials should stop using the drug and return the vials per Gilead’s instructions.

Consumers who experience or witness any adverse reactions to Veklury should first contact a healthcare provider. Such reactions or quality problems can also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch.  

Consumers who have questions about the recall can contact Gilead Sciences. 

Earlier this year, Gilead Sciences, along with other drugmakers, and a group of consumers who accused the companies of conspiring to keep certain HIV therapy drugs off the market and at high prices reached a $10 million class action settlement.

Have you experienced any adverse reactions to remdesiver or other COVID-19 treatments? Tell us about it below!

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