Warning over faulty Emerade adrenaline pens

Drug alert for the Emerade adrenaline auto-injector device

A warning has been issued over faulty Emerade adrenaline pens.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said there is a risk of the product failing to deliver a dose of adrenaline from the syringe due to blockage of the needle.

The fault was first found in routine testing by the pens' makers, Bausch & Lomb, in June 2018, but it was believed to be extremely rare, affecting 1.5 per 10,000 pens.

However, recent information indicates that the potential occurrence of needle blockage in batches on the market is higher than first estimated.

Lynne Regent, CEO of the Anaphylaxis Campaign, said: “The Anaphylaxis Campaign recognises this is a very difficult time for patients who carry Emerade auto-injectors.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind all individuals who are prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector to always carry two devices at all times, to use your auto-injector at the first signs of anaphylaxis and to call 999, ask for an ambulance and say anaphylaxis (pronounced as ‘anna -fill-axis’)."

For more information, visit: 

• www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/class-4-medicines-defect-information-emerade-150-300-and-500-microgram-solution-for-injection-in-pre-filled-syringe-mdr-55-06-18

The Anaphylaxis Campaign has informed all of its members about the Emerade Device Alert and if you have any questions, you can contact their helpline:

E: info@anaphylaxis.org.uk

T: 01252 542029 for support from 9am – 5pm, Monday - Friday.