CLASS III Drug recall · Reported 22 Jul 2020 · FDA Enforcement Report

Proparacaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution recalled by Akorn

Akorn is recalling Proparacaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP, 0.5% per dropper, Sterile, distributed nationwide in the US. The recall was initiated on 26 Dec 2019 and the FDA has classified it as Class III.

Check your package

Lot, batch or date codesLot 9E52A, exp 04/2021
Quantity recalled33,343 bottles

Check the lot number on your package against the affected lots. If it matches, contact the pharmacy that dispensed it or your prescriber before stopping any medication.

Recall details

Recall number
D-1388-2020
FDA event ID
86019
Recalling firm
Akorn, Lake Forest, IL
Classification
Class III
Status
Terminated
Recall initiated
26 Dec 2019
FDA classified
14 Jul 2020
Reported
22 Jul 2020
Type
Voluntary: Firm initiated
Customers notified by
Letter
Reason category
Potency & Assay
Drug class
Eye Drops

Timeline

26 Dec 2019Recall initiated by company
14 Jul 2020Classified by FDA+201 days
22 Jul 2020Published in enforcement report+8 days

Companies usually start a recall weeks before the FDA classifies and publishes it; the gap above is that lag.

Reason for recall

Chemical contamination; out of specification results obtained for equipment cleaning residue rinse sample

Potency and specification recalls happen when a batch tests outside its approved limits for strength, purity or dissolution, which can mean the dose delivered is higher or lower than labelled.

Product as listed by the FDA

Proparacaine Hydrochloride Ophthalmic Solution, USP, 0.5%, 15 mL per dropper bottle, Sterile, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Akorn, Inc., Lake Forest, IL 60045. NDC 17478-263-12

Where it was distributed

Nationwide USA and Puerto Rico

Nationwide Puerto Rico

Questions about this recall

Why was it recalled?

Chemical contamination; out of specification results obtained for equipment cleaning residue rinse sample

Which lots are affected?

Lot 9E52A, exp 04/2021

Where was it sold?

Nationwide USA and Puerto Rico

What should I do if I have it?

Check the lot number on your package against the affected lots. If it matches, contact the pharmacy that dispensed it or your prescriber before stopping any medication.

What does Class III mean?

Class III recalls are for products unlikely to cause any adverse health consequence, usually labelling or quality issues.

Read the official FDA notice · Source record retrieved 26 Sep 2026. The FDA describes openFDA data as unvalidated; the official notice takes precedence. This page reports the record and gives no medical advice.

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