Mylan EpiPen recall information

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening reaction to certain allergens which can be found in foods, drugs, and even venom like in a wasp sting. Depending on the sufferer’s sensitivity to the allergens, anaphylactic shock can be caused by ingestion or even mere contact on skin.

Otherwise more commonly known as an allergic reaction, without the simple treatment, the consequences can be serious and even fatal. Anaphylactic shock can come on immediately, and in severe cases, symptoms can develop just as quickly. Some symptoms include swelling of the throat and face; wheezing; dizziness and fainting spells. If left untreated, individuals may have difficulty breathing to a point where they may stop doing so.

For these reasons, any life saving EpiPen recall is always a major concern.

Adrenaline auto-injectors are the most common remedial treatment used for severe anaphylaxis sufferers. Usually contained in a syringe, an individual will insert the needle into the thigh or torso to deliver a shot of adrenaline to combat the effects of the allergens. Adrenaline auto-injectors come with instructions suggesting the use of two injections if the allergic reaction is extremely severe.

Maylan’s EpiPen is widely used in hospitals, schools, and in private homes. EpiPens are lightweight and portal, making it easy for sufferers to carry them wherever they go. These lifesaving medical devices may be providing the only reassurance for serious anaphylactic sufferers to confidently leave their homes. However, worryingly, Maylan is mass recalling their EpiPens as two reports complained that some of the shots weren’t working.

13 lots of EpiPens to be recalled

Regulators have reported that over 13 lots of EpiPens are to be recalled, although the specific number of individual EpiPens were not provided by Maylan. The medical pharmacy attempted to reassure shocked users and carers by saying that the defects are “extremely rare”. Serious sufferers of anaphylactic shock will not be blamed for their scepticism towards Maylan’s words. When a company who provides lifesaving medicine tells you that it is extremely rare that the medicine might not work, you’re probably going to trust said lifesaving medicine a lot less.

EpiPen recall information

The recalled Epi-Pens include 3 lots of the 0.15-mg Epi-Pen Jr auto-injectors, and 10 lots of the 0.3-mg Epi-Pen auto-injectors. The first Epi-Pen is made for use on children.

The first recall, just a few weeks ago, affected 81,000 EpiPens across the world. Users are instructed to request replacements using the company website where they are instructed to keep their existing EpiPens on them while they wait for the replacement.

The recall is being made in the midst of an ongoing Class Action against the same company for their price hikes, with the price increasing six-fold.