If you keep Mylan's Epipen or Epipen Jr. in the house to safeguard against allergic reactions, check the label. Meridian Medical Technologies recalled 13 lots, which might contain defective devices.

EpiPen
EpiPen (Photo courtesy of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
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Identified lots, so far, were distributed between December 17, 2015 and july 1, 2016. They were manufactured by Meridian Medical Technologies and distributed by Mylan, according to the US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The identification numbers are:

  • EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg 49502-501-02 5GN767 April 2017
  • EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg 49502-501-02 5GN773 April 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 5GM631 April 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 5GM640 May 2017
  • EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector, 0.15 mg 49502-501-02 6GN215 September 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM082 September 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM072 September 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM081 September 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM088 October 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM199 October 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM091 October 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM198 October 2017
  • EpiPen Auto-Injector, 0.3 mg 49502-500-02 6GM087 October 2017

The FDA said that the volume of the voluntary recall is larger than the number of reported failures, but is aimed at minimizing the risk of a medical emergency triggered by a misfiring device.

A standard label warning recommends getting emergency medical help immediately after using the epinephrine injectors, especially if they don't work.

FDA advises Epipen and Epipen Jr. owners to keep the devices until buying replacements, and to either e-mail Mylan or call 800-796-9526 with questions.

The agency also urges consumers and medical experts to report malfunctions or adverse reactions to its MedWatch program.

Complete and submit the report on line, or download, complete and fax it to 800-FDA-0178.

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