Patients who have had injection sites or surgical sites cleaned with Triad alcohol prep pads, swabs and swab sticks could be at risk for Bacillus cereus infection and other complications due to contamination that led to a Triad alcohol pad recall in January 2011.
TRIAD ALCOHOL PREP PAD LAWSUIT STATUS: Potential lawsuits and class action suits are being reviewed by Triad alcohol prep pad lawyers for individuals throughout the United States who have experienced an infection after using one of the alcohol wipes.
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Learn MoreMANUFACTURER: Triad Group
OVERVIEW: Tens of millions Triad alcohol prep pads, swabs and swab sticks manufactured by Triad Group were recalled on January 6, 20110. The alcohol sanitation wipes were sold under the Triad brand name, as well as under a number of other store brands, including CVS and Wallgreens. They were also used by hospitals and pre-packaged with a number of different medications for convenience.
The recalled alcohol pads and wipes are used to clean the skin before giving a patient an injection, or to clean surgical sites before surgery.
TRIAD ALCOHOL PREP PAD RECALL PROBLEMS: The Triad alcohol prep pad recall was announced due to the risk of Bacillus cereus infection. Shortly after, a number of drug makers issued warnings that their medications were packaged with the potentially contaminated swabs and pads.
At least one death has been attributed to a Triad prep pad infection, and the FDA received more than 100 adverse event reports shortly following the announcement of the recall.
Bacillus cereus is responsible for about two percent of all foodborne illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Illness comes within 24 hours after exposure and can result in a diarrheal illness. Serious illness and permanent injury are very rare.
The contaminated alcohol pads could cause problems ranging from minor skin infection to more serious and potentially life-threatening infections. The alcohol wipes could place the bacteria on the skin, which may then be pushed into the body by the needle. Individuals with suppressed immune systems or those undergoing surgery may be particularly at-risk of problems from the alcohol prep pads.
Since at least July 2009, FDA inspectors have raised concerns about sterility problems at Triad’s production facility in Wisconsin. They have reported that there are quality control issues and lack of confirmation that products have been properly sterilized. In some cases, FDA inspectors say Triad officials knowingly distributed products that did not meet quality control standards.
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9 Comments
SusanSeptember 6, 2011 at 10:04 pm
In Oct. 2009 was told that I had MS. The doctor put me on Betaseron injections. By Nov.2010 I had terrible sores on my thighs (an injection site). I have been to drs., dermatologist. Taken antobotics and creams that have not touched these ugly and painful sores. Have had biopsy of the sores twice, the first one they had no idea what it was, the second they thought it might be folliculitis. I don't[Show More]In Oct. 2009 was told that I had MS. The doctor put me on Betaseron injections. By Nov.2010 I had terrible sores on my thighs (an injection site). I have been to drs., dermatologist. Taken antobotics and creams that have not touched these ugly and painful sores. Have had biopsy of the sores twice, the first one they had no idea what it was, the second they thought it might be folliculitis. I don't believe that. Triad wipes were the only wipes I used that whole year. I still have the sores, the ones that have healed are leaving scares. If I get a insect bite or a scratch will turn in to a sore and takes forever to heal if ever. The scares are bad too. The sores are painful. The drs. don't know enough about bacillus cereus to know what to do, I had to show my dr. the letters from Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals and Accredo Health Group. He was really surprised and had not received any info.on the triad wipes. They just took out my gallbladder and I also lost my spleen. So WHAT am I suppose to FIGHT with??? I know that the wipes has caused the sores, but I wonder about my gallbladder. The dr. is telling me now that my liver enzymes are high. I feel bad and in pain all the time. Its not like me, I have a "A personality" and hate to be still. It seems like if the drs. can't figure out whats wrong they file it under MS. I DON'T THINK SO. I pray for all of you who are having to go through all this pain and heart ache. Maybe some dr. or specialist out there that reads all these comments will know what to do. Susan
ElizabethAugust 25, 2011 at 11:47 am
have been receiving I.V. steroids for progressive multiple sclerosis. since 2002. This last round began Nov. 2009. I know that these pads were used.I reconized the packaging.I live in the same community were they are made.The hospital where I receive treatment for I.V. and all blood work have been using them. I have been using for intermitten cathing. In January of 2011 developed a severs staph in[Show More]have been receiving I.V. steroids for progressive multiple sclerosis. since 2002. This last round began Nov. 2009. I know that these pads were used.I reconized the packaging.I live in the same community were they are made.The hospital where I receive treatment for I.V. and all blood work have been using them. I have been using for intermitten cathing. In January of 2011 developed a severs staph infection with sores all over body,including my head. It is August 2011 and still have sores. I will get mosquito bite and it will turn into staph. Have had biopsy in head results come back staph. received antibiotic of several types but does not heal them at all. admitted into hospt. because of allergic reaction to antobotics,O2 was 86 developed MRSA,Drs have no answers why infection continues to spread and why they continue to spread but do not heal.My right side of head has sores that weep yellow staph daily. No longer receiving I.V. treatments because of 15 straight months of treatments receiving 1000 ui,immune system so weak am afraid this stupid infection will kill me. Anyone know what I should do. Had a stroke March 15,2011 hosp. for 8 days begged drs to do something about infection no wound or infectious disease drs would see me.At discharge paperwork work stated do not pick at wounds.This was because I pulled a sore and told her look this is yellow staph why can't a Dr. see me I'm in a hosp arent I ? Liz
EricaJuly 12, 2011 at 12:53 am
My 8 year olod son receives Triad wipes from a medical supply company and has used these wipes for years. He uses them to wipe himself before inserting an intermitten cather. I am very concerned about these findings as my son is contantly getting infections and I am wandering if these WIPES are to blame???
dianneMay 1, 2011 at 7:49 pm
if you live abroad and have used wipes connected to injections who do you get in touch with.
dianneApril 29, 2011 at 6:35 pm
I have been to the hospital and they took swabs, there is a bacteria in the injection site and its being looked at by micro-biologist but they cant find what it is. I told my doctor to look up on Triad Interferon wipes and read this page. Dont think he did. The site is so painful still and the other one has healed but still hurts when yu press your tummy. Have had to come off the interferon till t[Show More]I have been to the hospital and they took swabs, there is a bacteria in the injection site and its being looked at by micro-biologist but they cant find what it is. I told my doctor to look up on Triad Interferon wipes and read this page. Dont think he did. The site is so painful still and the other one has healed but still hurts when yu press your tummy. Have had to come off the interferon till the infection has gone. I shouldnt interupt my years course. Am getting really worried and feel so sick , I live in Ireland , i SO WISHED someone could help me. Dianne
CindyApril 27, 2011 at 12:39 am
Seek help immediately
dianneApril 24, 2011 at 7:46 pm
is there anyone with Melanoma who uses Interferon having problems since using wipes. injection site hurts so much and i feel so ill. No itching but the site seems to be getting bigger and bigger and more painful,
harryApril 1, 2011 at 3:37 pm
pulled hamstring got infected thru blood. no immue system after open heart suregery 2001. lost 80% use of my right leg,right foot numb,no use of foot, right foot toes numb. no muscle use in right foot. i cannot walk without help. nerves in right leg cut out, due to infection in my hamstring muscle in my right leg. doctors have stated they could not identify where it came from, except more than lik[Show More]pulled hamstring got infected thru blood. no immue system after open heart suregery 2001. lost 80% use of my right leg,right foot numb,no use of foot, right foot toes numb. no muscle use in right foot. i cannot walk without help. nerves in right leg cut out, due to infection in my hamstring muscle in my right leg. doctors have stated they could not identify where it came from, except more than likley my blood carried it to my pulled muscle. no open wounds,or scrathes,or cuts. i have used alcohol pads,and the nureses in the hospital used them while i was i there for approximatly 3 1/2 months. there is a better than 80% chance it got infected thru using the containated pads while testing my blood for my i.n.r.
EricaApril 1, 2011 at 9:40 am
I purchased 2 boxes of triads alcohol with pain relief pads because I have 3 children, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and have friends and family who wanted piercings. I have gone through those 2 boxes and have bought quite a bit of their regular swabs when the retailers are out of the pain relief ones. For the last month or 2 I have been trying to find more and just found out yesterday they were recalled. [Show More]I purchased 2 boxes of triads alcohol with pain relief pads because I have 3 children, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, and have friends and family who wanted piercings. I have gone through those 2 boxes and have bought quite a bit of their regular swabs when the retailers are out of the pain relief ones. For the last month or 2 I have been trying to find more and just found out yesterday they were recalled. What are side effects of this disease? My kids and some of my family members have become very sick recently and we have no answers as to why they are vomitting as if they were pregnant, and there is no way of that happening. Could these wipes that I have used gotten so many people sick? If so, what do I do and who do I talk to? I too have used them.