EpiPen 2-Pak (Epinephrine) Auto-Injectors 0.3 mg, Rx only, Manufactured for Mylan Specialty L.P.,...
FDA Drug Recall #D-0690-2017 — Class I — March 12, 2017
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | D-0690-2017 |
| Classification | Class I — Serious risk |
| Date Initiated | March 12, 2017 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Meridian Medical Technologies a Pfizer Company |
| Location | Brentwood, MO |
| Product Type | Drugs |
| Quantity | 373,960 2-paks (U.S.) ; 331,738 auto-injectors (O.U.S.) |
Product Description
EpiPen 2-Pak (Epinephrine) Auto-Injectors 0.3 mg, Rx only, Manufactured for Mylan Specialty L.P., Morgantown WV 26505 by Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc., Columbia, MD 21046, a Pfizer company; NDC 49502-500-02 ---- ALSO LABELED OUTSIDE THE US AS ---- Epipen Auto-Injector 0.3 mg -Bright Stock labeled for multiple countries- manufactured for Mylan by Meridian Medical Technologies, Inc., Columbia, MD 21046, a Pfizer company.
Reason for Recall
Defective Delivery System; reports of the device failing to activate which could result in a patient not receiving medication
Distribution Pattern
Nationwide and Puerto Rico, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom. There has been no U.S. government or military distribution.
Lot / Code Information
US: lot 5GM631, exp. April 2017; lot 5GM640, exp. May 2017; lot 6GM072, exp. Sep 2017; lot 6GM082, exp. Sep 2017; lot 6GM088, exp. Oct 2017; lot 6GM087, exp. Oct 2017; lot 6GM198, exp. Oct 2017; lot 6GM081, exp. Sep 2017; lot 6GM091, exp. Oct 2017; lot 6GM199, exp. Oct 2017: INTERNATIONAL: lot 5FA665, exp. April 2017; lot 5GU763, exp. May 2017; lot 6FA293, exp. Oct 2017; lot 6FA292, exp. Oct 2017; lot 6GH294, exp. Oct 2017.
Other Recalls from Meridian Medical Technologies a Pfize...
| Recall # | Classification | Product | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-0691-2017 | Class I | EpiPen Jr. 2-Pak (Epinephrine) Auto-Injectors 0... | Mar 12, 2017 |
| D-1369-2012 | Class II | Diazepam Injection, USP, 10 mg Automatic, Autoi... | Jun 6, 2012 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Stop taking the medication and contact your pharmacist or doctor immediately. For Class I recalls, this is urgent. For Class II or III recalls, consult your doctor before stopping — abruptly discontinuing certain medications (blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, diabetes medications) can be more harmful than continuing while arranging a replacement. Check whether the recall applies to your specific lot number and expiration date. Return the product to your pharmacy and report any adverse effects to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Not necessarily. Many drug recalls are initiated because of quality system failures or test results that suggest a product might not meet specifications — even if no patients have reported harm. The FDA uses a precautionary approach: if there is reason to believe quality standards were not met, a recall is required regardless of whether adverse effects have been reported. Class I recalls typically involve a reasonable probability of harm; Class II recalls may cause temporary health issues; Class III recalls are for products unlikely to cause adverse health consequences but that still violate regulations.
Pharmacies typically receive recall notices directly from drug wholesalers and manufacturers within days of the recall being announced. Your pharmacist can look up whether any product in your prescription history matches a recalled lot number. For current recalls, the FDA publishes updates at FDA.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts and sends MedWatch email alerts for significant drug safety issues. You can sign up for MedWatch alerts at FDA.gov. Most major pharmacy chains also have their own recall notification systems that automatically alert pharmacists when a recalled product is in their inventory.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this medication if affected by this recall. Contact your pharmacist or prescribing doctor immediately for guidance. Do not flush medications — use a drug take-back program.