Sanofi-aventis Canada is recalling its Allerject epinephrine auto-injectors used to treat potentially deadly allergic reactions because they may not deliver the right amount of the drug.
The company, in consultation with Health Canada, is recalling the following products:
- Allerject Pre-filled Autoinjector (DIN02382059 – 0.15mg/0.15mL epinephrine)
- Allerject Pre-filled Autoinjector (DIN02382067 – 0.3mg/0.3mL epinephrine)
The same product is also being recalled in the United States, where it’s sold under the name of Auvi-Q.
Allerject users are being asked to exchange their device for an EpiPen auto-injector. EpiPen’s manufacturer, Pfizer, says it is working to secure additional inventory of EpiPens to meet the demand.
Health Canada is asking customers to “limit the replacement of Allerject to one unit or the appropriate number of units, as instructed by your health-care professional,” until full alternative stock is available.
Allerject owners who have one of the recalled products are advised to:
- contact their pharmacy to exchange their Allerject devices for an EpiPen device
- consult their pharmacist on using the replacement auto-injector
- use their Allerject device as directed if they suffer an allergic reaction before they’re able to get a replacement, but then seek emergency medical attention
- speak with their health-care provider for any concerns
- report adverse events to Health Canada
