ANSM warns of difficulties in supplying adrenaline pens

2023-05-22 13:13:02

The National Medicines Safety Agency warns once morest the difficulties of supplying adrenaline pens used in the event of an allergic reaction. One of the marketed models is no longer distributed in pharmacies on a temporary basis.

The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) warns of supply tensions affecting adrenaline auto-injectors following the temporary worldwide discontinuation of a model of these pens used in the event of an allergic reaction, in a press release published Monday.

“The temporary global halt in the distribution of Emerade leads to supply tensions on the other adrenaline auto-injectors (Anapen, Epipen and Jext)”, explains the ANSM.

Since May 4, Emerade adrenaline auto-injectors, marketed in France since 2021, are no longer distributed in pharmacies “due to a risk of malfunction and as a precautionary measure”, specifies the agency, while qualifying this risk of “low”.

No product recalls

The manufacturer of the Emerade pens, the Canadian company Bausch, observed that “following a fall from a height of 1 meter, the number of auto-injectors no longer activating or activating prematurely was slightly higher than the norm “, details the ANSM, claiming to have “received no report in connection with this risk”.

It was therefore decided “not to recall the Emerade auto-injectors already in the possession of patients, given the low risk of malfunction and to prevent patients from being left without adrenaline”, indicates the drug constable.

The ANSM also recommends that doctors “not to prescribe an auto-injector of another brand until the expiry date of Emerade auto-injectors”.

She recommends that patients always carry two auto-injectors with them and reminds that in the event of an allergic reaction requiring the use of an adrenaline pen, it is essential to contact the emergency services.

France, like other European countries, has been experiencing tensions over the stocks of several drugs for months.

Jeanne Bulant with AFP BFMTV journalist

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