FDA Reports EpiPen Auto-Injector Errors due to Malfunctions

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting patients, caregivers and health care professionals that EpiPen 0.3mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15mg auto-injectors, and the authorized generic versions, may potentially have delayed injection or be prevented from properly injecting due to:

• Device failure from spontaneous activation caused by using sideways force to remove the blue safety release
• Device failure from inadvertent or spontaneous activation due to a raised blue safety release
• Difficulty removing the device from the carrier tube
• User errors

In a letter to health care professionals from Pfizer, the manufacturer of the EpiPen, and Mylan, detailed how these devices may activate prematurely if the blue safety release is removed using a sideway force. For example, a user may try to hold a device with only one hand and try to remove the blue safety release with their thumb in a sideways force. Prior to use, the blue safety release should be removed by pulling straight up with one hand and holding the device with the other hand.

A very limited number of EpiPen devices also may have a blue safety release that is slightly raised. If the blue safety release is raised, the device may activate prematurely, which could potentially delay or prevent emergency treatment when needed. 

Additionally, in some cases EpiPen devices may not slide out of their carrier tube easily, or potentially at all, due to a slight deformation on the rim of the carrier tube. The carrier tube is the immediate package in which the auto-injector is contained. In some cases, the patient or caregiver may not be able to quickly remove the auto-injector from the carrier tube. 

The letter also describes specific user errors that can delay or prevent the administration of the intended dose of epinephrine. For example: 

• The device will not activate if the blue safety release is in place
• Ensure the needle end (orange end of the device) is in contact with the outer thigh (upper leg) prior to and during activation. The EpiPen device should be administered by swinging and pushing firmly against the outer thigh until it "clicks." This signals that injection has started.  
• Ensure the device is held in place for a minimum of three seconds following activation. 

It is important for health care providers, patients and caregivers to periodically review the EpiPen user instructions and practice using the EpiPen trainer to ensure proper understanding and utilization of the EpiPen auto-injector.

It is vital for lifesaving products to work as designed in an emergency situation, and patients and caregivers should inspect their epinephrine auto-injector prior to needing it to ensure the blue safety release is not raised and that the device can be easily removed from the carrier tube. 

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