Health Canada warns of faulty injectors

News story from Ottawa Citizen, July 14 2008 :

"Health Canada warns of faulty injectors
The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Monday, July 14, 2008

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning of a potential malfunction of a
common epinephrine injector, used in emergency treatment of severe
allergic reactions.

The Twinject 0.3 milligram auto-injector and the Twinject 0.15
milligram auto-injector may pose a serious risk to users, said Health
Canada in a release Monday.

Since Twinject was first marketed to Canadians on August 1, 2005
Health Canada has received 30 reports of malfunctions, most of which
were life-threatening, the department said.
The injectors are meant to kick-start stricken people's hearts after
they go into anaphylactic shock, keeping them alive till they can be
taken to hospitals. Malfunctions included mechanical errors preventing
the distribution of the first or second dose, and in some cases a bent
or cracked needle.

Though the manufacturer made changes to the product in 2007, Health
Canada said the impact of those changes has not yet been evaluated.

Patients who are concerned about their auto-injectors are encouraged
to contact the manufacturer at 1-877-894-6532 or speak to their
doctors.

To report problems with the product to Health Canada, call
1-866-234-2345.