Global Courant 2023-05-07 00:53:13
Health Canada has issued a recall for Emerade epinephrine autoinjectors due to potential device malfunctions.
“Return your Emerade Auto-Injector to your pharmacy for a suitable replacement as soon as possible,” the May 5 recall states. “If a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs before you can get a replacement, use your recalled Emerade and then seek medical attention.”
The recall affects all Emerade 0.3 and 0.5 mg autoinjectors distributed in Canada between April 2022 and May 2023. The devices are made by Quebec-based pharmaceutical company Bausch Health.
Commonly known as EpiPens, a trademark of another company, epinephrine autoinjectors are primarily used to treat severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions or anaphylaxis by rapidly injecting epinephrine.
According to Health Canada, the recall was initiated “after testing by the company identified the potential risk that the autoinjector may fail to activate, or that it may activate prematurely if dropped.”
“Failure to activate the autoinjector could result in patients not receiving the required dose of epinephrine, leading to worsening of anaphylaxis symptoms which can be life-threatening,” the health service explains. “A shortage of alternative products is not expected, but the department will continue to actively monitor the supply situation.”
