In November 2023, the FDA informed public the potential for device failures (such as leaks, breakage, and other problems) with plastic syringes manufactured in China, that are used for injecting fluids into, or withdrawing fluids from, the body. The issue does not include glass syringes, pre-filled syringes, or syringes used for oral or topical purposes.
Today on March 18, 2024, the FDA issued warning letters of syringes that have not been cleared or approved by the FDA for sale or distribution in the U.S. to the following three entities:
- Jiangsu Shenli Medical Production Co. Ltd.
- Medline Industries, LP
- Sol-Millennium Medical, Inc.
The warning letters for Medline Industries, LP and Sol-Millennium Medical, Inc. also concern violations related to quality system regulations for syringe products. The FDA expects these entities to fully address the violations described in the warning letters. In addition, it is actively evaluating quality issues and performance testing failures with plastic syringes made by Jiangsu Caina Medical Co Ltd.
Device Description
Generally, a syringe is used to inject fluid into, or withdraw fluid from, the body and can be used in a variety of clinical and home health settings. Some syringes may also be used with infusion pumps to deliver fluids into the body in a controlled manner.
Potential Syringe Failures
The FDA will continue our extensive efforts to evaluate problems with plastic syringes manufactured in China, including facility inspections, examining products at the border and detaining them as appropriate, laboratory testing of syringes, and working with manufacturers, when applicable, to ensure adequate corrective actions are taken. We will also continue to monitor all available sources of data for reports of problems with syringes manufactured in China, such as leaks, breakage, and other problems after manufacturers made changes to the syringe dimensions. These quality issues may affect the performance and safety of the syringes including their ability to deliver the correct dose of medication when used alone or with other medical devices such as infusion pumps.
Recommendations for Public
- Immediately transition away from using plastic syringes manufactured by Jiangsu Caina Medical Co Ltd, unless use of these syringes is absolutely necessary until you can complete the transition.
- Immediately transition away from using unauthorized plastic syringes manufactured by Jiangsu Shenli Medical Production Co Ltd, which includes all models other than the 5 mL luer lock syringe, unless use of these syringes is absolutely necessary until you can complete the transition.
For all other plastic syringes made in China, while the FDA’s evaluation remains ongoing, we continue to recommend the following:
- Check the manufacturing location for syringes you use or have in your inventory by reviewing the labeling, outer packaging, or contacting your supplier or group purchasing organization.
- Use syringes not manufactured in China, if possible. At this time, glass syringes, pre-filled syringes, or syringes used for oral or topical purposes are not included.
- If you only have syringes manufactured in China, then continue to use them as needed until you are able to use alternative syringes and closely monitor for leaks, breakage, and other problems.
- Report any issues with syringes to the FDA.
About Accel
Accel Groups is a dedicated team of seasoned professionals in regulatory, clinical and market access. We help medical device and IVD manufacturers with complete product life cycle solutions from preclinical, strategy, clinical evaluation and trial, regulatory submission, to post market surveillance. Our regional principals have a minimum of 10+ years’ experience in their specialty to enable us to provide the regional in-depth expertise but with global one-stop shop solutions. Ask us about our Start-up kits for start-up companies with key countries regulatory pathway.
