Health Canada Warning

12:42:02 PM

Health Canada is warning of a the possibility of malfunctions of a common epinephrine injector, used in the emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions. The Twinject 0.3 milligram auto-injector and the Twinject 0.15 milligram auto-injector could pose a serious risk to users, Health Canada said in a news release. Since the pre-filled, single-use injectors were first marketed in Canada on Aug. 1, 2005 Health Canada has received 30 reports of malfunctions. Most of those were life-threatening, requiring an emergency room visit or hospitalization, the department said. The injectors are meant to kick-start stricken people’s hearts with epinephrine, also known as adrenalin, if they are going into anaphylactic shock, keeping them alive until they can be takento hospital for further treatment. The injector is designed to administer one automatic injection, followed by a second dose by manual injection if necessary. Malfunctions that have been reported to the department included mechanical errors preventing the distribution of the first or second dose, a bent or cracked needle or an injector that did not deliver any of the drug at all. Although the manufacturer made changes to the devices in 2007, Health Canada said the impact of those changes has not yet been evaluated. Patients who are concerned about their auto-injectors are encouraged to contact the manufacturer at 1-877-894-6532 or speak to their doctors.