Counterfeit Polypropylene Surgical Mesh: Initial Communication
Audience: Surgical services managers, risk managers
Counterfeit flat sheets of polypropylene surgical mesh, used in the repair of hernias and chest wall defects, are being marketed in the United States, labeled with the C. R. Bard/Davol brand name. These products are not Bard-manufactured products. Healthcare professionals and facilities should carefully examine all manufacturers’ polypropylene surgical mesh products for their lot numbers and anything unusual that might indicate they are counterfeit. The product codes, sizes and lot numbers of the counterfeit product identified, to date, are noted in the linked Initial Communication, and recommendations/actions for healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, and patients are provided.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events, product problems, or suspected counterfeit product to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
- Phone: 1-800-332-1088
- Mail: return the postage-paid FDA form 3500, which may be downloaded from the MedWatch "Download Forms" page, to address on the pre-addressed form
- Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the Initial Communication, at:
You are encouraged to report all serious adverse events and product quality problems to FDA MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
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