Severity
Moderate
ModerateClass IITerminated
FDA Drug recall · Reported September 27, 2017
Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) injection, USP, 4 mg/4 mL (1mg/mL), 4mL Fill in 5 mL Single dose Fliptop Vial, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA, NDC 0409-3375-04
Lack of sterility assurance: resulting from use of a damaged sterilizing filter for nitrogen used in the manufacturing process.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with FDA Drug →
Pfizer Inc. recalled Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) injection, USP, 4 mg/4 mL (1mg/mL), 4mL Fill in 5 mL… - a moderate-severity action.
Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) injection, USP, 4 mg/4 mL (1mg/mL), 4mL Fill in 5 mL… was recalled by Pfizer Inc. in September 27, 2017. Reason: Lack of sterility assurance: resulting from use of a damaged sterilizing filter for nitrogen used in the manu…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #D-1168-2017 with the FDA Drug before acting.
The recall
Pfizer Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Drug recall-Lack of sterility assurance: resulting from use of a damaged sterilizing filter for nitrogen used in the manu….
- Moderate
- severity level
- Class II
- classification
- September 27, 2017
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Drug enforcement records. Verify recall #D-1168-2017 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This FDA Drug action (record #D-1168-2017) was formally reported on September 27, 2017, with the manufacturer initiating the action on August 22, 2017. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Pfizer Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of New York, NY. Federal records list the affected scope as 98,050 vials.
The documented reason for this recall is: Lack of sterility assurance: resulting from use of a damaged sterilizing filter for nitrogen used in the manufacturing process. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: United States Nationwide (including Puerto Rico) and Singapore. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 5 from FDA Drug - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Drugs & Medications recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 14,287 drugs & medications recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
98,050 vials
Related Recalls
6
5 from same agency
Product description
Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) injection, USP, 4 mg/4 mL (1mg/mL), 4mL Fill in 5 mL Single dose Fliptop Vial, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA, NDC 0409-3375-04
Reason for recall
Lack of sterility assurance: resulting from use of a damaged sterilizing filter for nitrogen used in the manufacturing process.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | D-1168-2017 |
| Date reported | September 27, 2017 |
| Date initiated | August 22, 2017 |
| Recalling firm | Pfizer Inc. |
| Firm location | New York, NY |
| Affected scope | 98,050 vials |
| Distribution | United States Nationwide (including Puerto Rico) and Singapore |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Drug enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to do with this recall
Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.
- Check the recall number (D-1168-2017) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status with FDA Drug before acting, recall details can be updated.
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official FDA Drug record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Levophed (norepinephrine bitartrate) injection, USP, 4 mg/4 mL (1mg/mL), 4mL Fill in 5 mL Single dose Fliptop Vial, Rx only, Hospira, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045 USA, NDC 0409-3375-04. Recalled by Pfizer Inc.. Units affected: 98,050 vials.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Lack of sterility assurance: resulting from use of a damaged sterilizing filter for nitrogen used in the manufacturing process.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Drug on September 27, 2017. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: D-1168-2017.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: United States Nationwide (including Puerto Rico) and Singapore.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (D-1168-2017) against your product. Visit the official FDA Drug website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device? ▼
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.
Nearby Recalls in This Category
Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
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Compare this recall with PRED MILD, prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension, USP,… →
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: FDA Drug, reported September 27, 2017. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.