Mylan Recalls 13 Lots Of EpiPen Over Potential Defect
The recall is voluntary and affects 13 lots of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. devices
Pharmaceutical company Mylan has announced a nationwide, voluntary recall of certain lots of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. due to a possible defect. The device is a literal lifesaver for people who experience severe allergic reactions, and that’s exactly why the company is being pro-active about the issue.
According to the recall announcement on Mylan’s website, the risk of the defect is low, but the company is acting “out of an abundance of caution” to keep any defective pens out of circulation. The U.S. recall was initiated after two previously disclosed reports outside the U.S. of devices that failed to activate due to a defect in a supplier component.
Both reports of pens that failed to activate were from a single lot that had already been recalled. This new recall is an expansion to include other lots just to be safe. The statement reads, “The incidence of the defect is extremely rare and testing and analysis across the potentially impacted lots has not identified any units with a defect.”
The defect, if present, would make an EpiPen have trouble activating, either requiring extra force or failing altogether, causing a delay in treatment of a severe allergic reaction.
The recall affects lots of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr. devices distributed between Dec. 17, 2015, and July 1, 2016. Below is a chart of U.S. lots being recalled along with their expiration dates.
Image via Mylan
This isn’t the first time Mylan has made the news for their EpiPen product, as their price increase for the device caused outrage last summer. The company then lowered the price from a staggering $600 to $300 after public outcry, but the pen still only costs $30 to make.
Though it remains extremely expensive, we’re glad to see the company being as cautious as possible with their product in order to keep its users safe. Please check any pens you have (or ones your child keeps with the nurse at school) to be sure they’re not part of these lots. If they are, check out Mylan’s site for instructions on getting a replacement EpiPen. The company is urging consumers to keep the pens they have until a new one is provided.
