Further to DrugAlert vol 975, HPS Pharmacies wish to give notice that Link Medical Products, in consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has issued a product defect alert for their adrenaline pre-filled syringes, as follows:

Adrenaline-Link Pre-Filled Syringe
Adrenaline (epinephrine) acid tartrate 1:10 000 (1mg/10mL)
ARTG 210672

This product defect alert was initiated following reports of blocked syringe bores which made it difficult or impossible to administer this product in an emergency. The use of incompatible connectors and connectors without the appropriate adaptors is the primary cause of blocked syringes.

There have been deaths reported in association with this issue.

Due to the seriousness of this issue, HPS Pharmacies has decided to quarantine all batches of Adrenaline-Link Pre-Filled Syringes.

Adrenaline availability

  • Adrenaline Aguettant 1:10,000 pre-filled syringes are currently out of stock and expected to return in mid-late November 2024.
  • Adrenaline Aspen 1:10,000 ampoules remain available and are recommended to be used while Adrenaline Aguettant is unavailable.

When using Adrenaline Aspen 1:10,000, users should be mindful of risk of injury due to the presentation in a glass ampoule and the requirements for drawing up doses in a timely manner for emergency situations. If utilising smaller quantities for resuscitation trays or emergency trolleys, clinicians should consider the need to protect individual ampoules from light.

Retain this notice in a prominent position, including in other related business units for one month. Report any problems identified with medicines, vaccines or medical devices to the TGA.

Should you require further information regarding this matter, please contact your pharmacist at HPS Pharmacies.

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