EpiPen users warned to check their devices after auto-injection issues reported
Posted Oct 12, 2019 03:12:00 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A warning for EpiPen devices has been released after auto-injection issues were reported.
Pfizer Canada, the manufacturers of EpiPens and EpiPen Jr, says some auto-injector devices aren't sliding out of their carrier cases as easily, or at all.
According to Pfizer, there is a partially blocked opening in some of the tubes which may prevent a release of the auto-injector from the carrier.
An estimated two auto-injectors out of a million may have this defect.
Health Canada says while the chance of this issue occurring is rare, failure of the device to administer epinephrine during anaphylactic episode could lead to disability or death.
So far, there have been no reports of this issue in Canada, but corrective measures are being put in place.
Residents are being asked to check their device and return it to the pharmacy if it is found to be defective.
For more information, and guidelines on how to inspect an EpiPen, go to healthycanadians.gc.ca.
