In March, 2017, there was a global recall of tens of thousands of EpiPens and EpiPen Jrs after two reports of the EpiPens failing to operate in emergencies.
EpiPens are used to treat allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by certain foods, and commonly to stings of bees, wasps and hornets.
It has recently become known that Pfizer’s Meridian Medical Technologies unit, the manufacturer of the EpiPens, received hundreds of complaints that the EpiPens failed to operate in situations that led to deaths, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reported. The FDA indicates in a letter to the manufacturer that the company failed to investigate problems with the EpiPens, failed to recall batches and act on reported problems, including expanding its internal investigation after customer complaints. It is alleged that the failure to activate in emergencies can be traced to a defective component in the EpiPens.
In Canada, physicians have warned EpiPen users to be aware of the potential for a failed activation, and to carry one unexpired pen containing epinephrine.
It is unclear how many failed activations of EpiPens have occurred in Canada. If you have been affected by a malfunctioning, or inoperative, EpiPen,
please contact Wagners for more information.
