Drugmaker Recalls Injectors Used to Treat Allergic Reactions

THURSDAY, Oct. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Hundreds of thousands of epinephrine injectors are being recalled by the drug company Sanofi because they may not deliver the correct amount of the life-saving drug to people suffering severe allergic reactions.

All packs of the Auvi-Q injectors are being recalled in the United States, the French drug maker said in a news release. Most packs contain two injectors. It's believed that about 200,000 people in the United States have the injectors.

Sanofi said it has received 26 reports from the United States and Canada of inaccurate dosage delivery from the injectors, but none resulted in patient deaths.

The injectors are used to treat severe allergic reactions triggered by insect bites or stings, foods, medications, latex, and other causes. If a patient having a serious allergic reaction -- called anaphylaxis -- did not receive the intended dose, serious health problems could ensue, including death, the company said.

The recall covers all Auvi-Q injectors, including the 0.15 milligram and 0.3 milligram strengths for hospitals, retailers and consumers. The products have lot numbers 2299596 through 3037230 and expiration dates of March 2016 through December 2016.

To learn how to return the injectors and to get more information, Sanofi said consumers can call 1-866-726-6340 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, or email cs@sanofi.com. The company's website has additional information.

Patients with Auvi-Q injectors should immediately contact their doctor for a prescription for another epinephrine auto-injector, Sanofi said.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more about epinephrine injection for anaphylaxis.

SOURCE: Sanofi, news release, Oct. 28, 2015