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Reports of expired EpiPen® devices supplied in cartons within expiry
ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly, is alerting the Canberra community to a discrepancy that has been found between the batch number and expiry date on EpiPen® Adrenaline Auto-Injector cartons and the batch number and expiry date on the EpiPen® device inside the cartons.
“I strongly encourage Canberrans to check the expiry date on any EpiPen® devices in their possession, including at home, at school and in the workplace, and compare it with the information on the carton,” Dr Kelly said.
ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Paul Kelly, is alerting the Canberra community to a discrepancy that has been found between the batch number and expiry date on EpiPen® Adrenaline Auto-Injector cartons and the batch number and expiry date on the EpiPen® device inside the cartons.
“I strongly encourage Canberrans to check the expiry date on any EpiPen® devices in their possession, including at home, at school and in the workplace, and compare it with the information on the carton,” Dr Kelly said.
”If the batch number and expiry date on the EpiPen® device is different to the batch number and expiry date on the EpiPen® carton, both the carton and the device should be returned to the place of purchase or their local pharmacy immediately for replacement.
“Importantly, this is also a timely reminder to users of EpiPen® Adrenaline Auto-Injectors that EpiPen® devices should not be used beyond their expiry date.
“ACT Health has written to pharmacies, general practices, dentists and other health care organisations within the ACT to ensure they are alerted to the issue and have all necessary information,” Dr Kelly said.
The EpiPen® Adrenaline Auto-Injector is used for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis due to insect stings, bites, drugs, foods or other allergens.
The products manufacturer, Alphapharm, notified the Therapeutic Goods Administration of the discrepancies earlier today and encourages customers to call 07 3000 6258 or 07 3000 6294, or email product.complaints@alphapharm.com.au for more information.
