Pfizer Canada is advising that some EpiPen® (0.3 mg) and EpiPen Jr® (0.15 mg) auto-injector devices may not slide out of their carrier tube easily, or potentially at all. This could delay or prevent emergency treatment. The device should be tested to make sure it can be removed from the carrier tube without getting caught on the side.
The device labels did not completely adhere to the surface of the auto-injectors. This means, that in a very small number of cases, the label might stick to the inside of the carrier tube preventing it from sliding out. Pfizer advises that the problem is with the device label, not with the device or the drug it delivers. This issue may affect EpiPen® auto-injectors in Canada expiring between April 2018 and October 2019.
The products are not being recalled by Pfizer (in agreement with Health Canada), because pharmacists and consumers can check the devices themselves before an emergency situation arises to make sure they slide easily out of their carrier tube. If they do not, auto-injectors can be replaced at a pharmacy.
Pfizer suggests inspecting the auto-injector for unglued edges, but do not try to remove or reattach the labels. The blue safety release should be left in place.
If there are unglued edges and/or it doesn’t easily slide out, do not dispense the auto-injector.
If more information is needed, call Pfizer at 1-877-EPIPEN1 or visit Pfizer.ca
