Urgent Product Recall Emerade Adrenaline Auto-Injectors
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
9th May 2023 Pharmaswiss Česka republika s.r.o. and distributor Bausch & Lomb UK Limited have issued a product recall for all unexpired batches of Emerade 500 micrograms and Emerade 300 micrograms adrenaline auto-injectors. The recall comes after an ISO 11608 Design Assessment study identified an issue where some auto-injectors either failed to deliver the product or activated prematurely. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has ensured sufficient supplies of alternative auto-injectors are available.
Table of contents
Urgent Product Recall: Emerade Adrenaline Auto-Injectors
Patients and carers of patients who carry Emerade 300 or 500 microgram auto-injector pens should obtain a prescription for an alternative brand and then return their Emerade pens to their local pharmacy. At the point of prescribing and dispensing, it is crucial that patients and carers receive training to ensure they are familiar with the new device, as each brand of adrenaline auto-injector works differently.
While the risk of device mishandling or failure exists with all adrenaline auto-injectors, the prompt administration of adrenaline at the first signs of anaphylaxis increases the chance of a successful outcome. Patients should always carry two devices at all times in case they need to administer a second dose of adrenaline before the arrival of emergency services.
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment with adrenaline. It can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or mouth, rapid heart rate, and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Adrenaline auto-injectors are prescribed to those at risk of anaphylaxis to administer the medication quickly in case of an emergency.
At Chris Garland Training we have a range of medical training courses, with Anaphylaxis training included in the following (multi-day) first aid courses:
- first aid at work,
- paediatric first aid,
- outdoor first aid,
- forest school first aid,
- first responder course
- first person on scene (international)
Further Information about this Auto-Injector recall
The full recall report for the Emerade Adrenaline Auto-Injectors is available here on the Government website.
