Anapen adrenaline injector pen recall

23^rd May 2012 - People who suffer from severe allergic reactions are being advised to see their GP as soon as possible if they use Anapen adrenaline injector pens. Some may be faulty and not deliver the right dose fast enough in the event of anaphylactic shock.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a class 2 alert to healthcare professionals after the product was withdrawn as a precaution by the manufacturer.

The MHRA says people who use the pens to treat anaphylactic shock should see their GP or allergy clinic as soon as possible to arrange alternative products.

Anapen is an adrenaline injector and has been recalled as a precaution by the licence holder Lincoln Medical Limited.

The MHRA says a potential problem with the speed and delivery of adrenaline by the Anapen injectors was found during development work by the manufacturer Owen Mumford Ltd.

No problems with these injectors have been reported by people or healthcare professionals but in the worst case scenario, the injector could fail to deliver adrenalin in an emergency situation when a person has a severe allergic reaction caused by peanuts, or other foods, insect bites or stings.

In a statement, Gerald Heddell, the MHRA's director of inspection, enforcement and standards, says: "This is a precautionary recall and no problems with Anapen adrenaline injectors have been reported by people or healthcare professionals. People should continue to use their existing Anapen injectors until they can obtain an alternative product and they should make an appointment with their GP or clinic as soon as possible to discuss this."

The Anapen products affected by the recall are:

• Anapen 500 micrograms in 0.3ml solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe PL 18813/0003
• Anapen 300 micrograms in 0.3ml solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe PL 18813/0001
• Anapen Junior 150 micrograms in 0.3ml solution for injection in a pre-filled syringe PL 18813/0002

Patients can call the Anaphylaxis Campaign website helpline on 01252 542029 if they are worried or have urgent questions.