Emerade (Adrenaline) pre-filled syringes
Important information about your Emerade (Adrenaline) pre-filled syringes
As a practice we are committed to ensuring all of our patients are receiving the best possible care. We have been made aware by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory agency (MHRA) that the risk of Emerade products failing to deliver a dose of adrenaline from the syringe due to blockage of the needle is potentially higher than first estimated back in August 2018 and therefore should be brought to your attention.
It should be emphasised that two pens are already recommended to be carried at all times in case the patient does not improve after the first injection which may occur for a number of reasons.
This notification of potential for needle blockage applies to Emerade devices of all strengths however it does not apply to the other marketed brands of adrenaline auto-injectors. The manufacturer has conducted extensive investigations and it is expected that the issue will be resolved with Emerade manufactured from mid-July 2019.
Key messages for patients
- You are recommended to carry two adrenaline auto-injectors with you at all times.
- Check expiry date and replace the pen before it expires
- Use the autoinjector at first signs of anaphylaxis
- Call 999, ask for an ambulance and say anaphylaxis (pronounced as ‘anna -fill-axis’)
- Lie flat if possible with your legs up to keep your blood flowing
- Use second pen if still unwell after 5-15 minutes
- Patients experiencing any problem with Emerade failing to activate should report this via the MHRA’s Yellow Card system and keep the pen for further examination: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/
- Please refer to attached sheet for advice on use of adrenaline auto-injectors.
If you have any further questions about this alert or using your adrenaline auto-injector please contact the practice or your local community pharmacist.