Two batches of Targocid 200mg powder for solution for injection/infusion or oral solution are being recalled by Sanofi UK after they were found to contain high levels of bacterial endotoxins, a toxic compound found in bacterial cell walls that can cause inflammation-related symptoms, high fever and, in very serious cases, septic shock.

The issue was detected when four patients experienced high fevers approximately three hours after being given a dose from one of the affected batches, with the batch numbers 0J25D1 and 0J25D2.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is urging patients who have been prescribed Targocid 200mg powder to use at home (via intravenous injection/infusion or by preparing the solution for oral administration) to check the batch number and expiry date (30/04/2023) on the labels of their medicine to see if their medicine is affected. If so, they should stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Healthcare professionals have been asked to contact patients who are using this medicine and urgently arrange for a new prescription. Patients using Targocid 200mg who have experienced any of the symptoms listed in recall notification should immediately seek medical assistance

Targocid is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of infections. It contains a medicine called ‘teicoplanin’ and works by killing the bacteria that cause infections in the body. For most patients this product is administered by healthcare professionals directly in hospitals, but for some patients it is prescribed to use at home. Patients using generic brands of this product and unaffected batches of Targocid do not need to be concerned.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said:

Patient safety is always our priority. It is vitally important that you check the labels of your Targocid 200mg powder and if the batch number is 0J25D1 or 0J25D2, you should stop using the medicine and seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare professional. If you are unsure which batch you have been given to use at home, please seek medical advice.

Your healthcare professional will arrange a new prescription for you and answer any questions you may have.

If you are using Targocid 200mg powder and experience any new symptoms, seek medical assistance or visit the nearest accident and emergency centre. Please report any adverse reactions via the Yellow Card scheme website.

We have taken prompt action to ensure affected batches will no longer be given to patients. Other products containing teicoplanin have not been affected by this recall.

General symptoms that patients should be looking for include fever or low body temperature; chills and shivering; cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin; a fast heartbeat; fast breathing; severe breathlessness; severe muscle pain; feeling dizzy or faint; a change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation; loss of consciousness; slurred speech; nausea and vomiting; diarrhoea and feeling increasingly unwell.

For details on the batch numbers affected, please see the recall notification.

Notes to Editors

Coast Clever

HM Coastguard launches a new film featuring Akinfenwa, to highlight the hidden dangers of the coast and urging the public to stay “Coast Clever” ahead of half term. HM Coastguard is called to around 36,000 incidents each year – with peak times happening in the summer, bank holidays and half term time. This figure has increased by 50% in 4 years, with 24,000 incidents reported in 2018.

The campaign comes on the back of a survey commissioned by HM Coastguard that shows that although 72% of people know that they should check tide times before they set out for a walk at the coast, only 33% claim that they do, highlighting the difference between knowing and doing.

The film features Adebayo “The Beast” Akinfenwa, as he shows the viewers some of the most common pitfalls around the coast – the cliffs, the mud and the tides. Widely known for his physique, and being football’s strongest man, Akinfenwa highlights how even the strongest people cannot underestimate the coast.

In the film, HM Coastguard asks people to be prepared before going to the coast to ensure they can peacefully enjoy their time. When going to the coast everyone should:

• stay away from cliff edges and bases
• check tide times before setting out
• avoid mud
• in case of emergency at the coast call 999 and ask for Coastguard

The survey also found that if respondents became stuck in mud at the coast, 28% of people would try to get someone else to pull them out while 24% would stay still to see if it lets you out and 13% would wriggle around to try and get out. HM Coastguard advises to try and spread your weight if you get stuck in the mud and call 999 for the Coastguard.

Commenting on the “Coast Clever” campaign Claire Hughes, Director of His Majesty’s Coastguard said:

Everyone enjoys a bit of time at the coast by the seaside. This half term, we want to remind Brits to enjoy their time at the coast as safely as possible. While many of us know to take precautions when going to the coast, our recent survey shows this is not necessarily always practiced. Our campaign ‘Coast Clever’ is a great reminder for people to check tide times, stay away from cliff edges and avoid the mud. But if you are in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Adebayo “The Beast” Akinfenwa, professional footballer and presenter, commented on his involvement:

I’m known as football’s strongest man but sometimes being the strongest isn’t enough. Out on the UK coast, it’s about being prepared, careful and diligent. We all love a bit of a chill time by the coast, but I want to encourage people to be safe out there. The coast can tackle even the strongest opponent – take it to from , ‘The Beast’.

Taking the time to prepare goes a long way, so let’s not underestimate the coast. By being clever – we can all enjoy the coast for a nice long time.

To find out more, search “coastal safety”.

Brendan Michael Gaughan, 40, from Glasgow has been disqualified as a director for 12 years, after using his companies to take out Bounce Back Loans totalling £135,000 that the companies were not eligible for.

Gaughan was director of three separate property management companies, Gaughan Group Ltd, Gaughan Property Ltd, and Rentl Property Ltd. They were only incorporated in February 2020 and did no business until April 2020.

As a result, they were not eligible for funds through the Bounce Back Loan (BBL) scheme, which was available only to firms that had been doing business on 1 March 2020.

However in May 2020, Gaughan Group received a BBL of £50,000, Gaughan Property received a BBL also of £50,000, and Rentl Property Ltd received a BBL of £35,000.

Gaughan transferred all the funds into a single account and proceeded to use the money to buy a property worth nearly £160,000 in August 2020. He then sold the property in March 2021 for just over £140,000, and on the same day transferred £100,000 of the proceeds to his personal account.

All three companies were put into liquidation on 11 October 2021, which triggered an investigation by the Insolvency Service.

The Secretary of State accepted disqualification undertakings from Brendan Michael Gaughan, after he did not dispute that none of his companies had been eligible for Bounce Back Loans. He has been banned for 12 years, effective from 27 October 2022.

The disqualification undertakings prevent him from directly, or indirectly, becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

Steven McGinty, Investigation Manager at the Insolvency Service said:

Bounce Back Loans were made available for trading companies adversely affected by the pandemic. Brendan Gaughan should have known his companies weren’t entitled to the loans yet he took them anyway and used the funds for personal gain.

We will not hesitate to take action against directors who have abused Covid-19 financial support like this.

Notes to editors

Brendan Michael Gaughan is of Glasgow and his date of birth is November 1982.

Gaughan Group Ltd – SC655799

Gaughan Property Ltd – SC655896

Rentl Property Ltd – SC655897

Disqualification undertakings are the administrative equivalent of a disqualification order but do not involve court proceedings.

Persons subject to a disqualification order are bound by a range of other restrictions.

Information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

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