Health

Pfizer restocks EpiPens to meet demand after Allerject recall

Pfizer Canada says its Epipen inventory is now up to meeting the increased demand following a recall of Allerject auto-injectors.

Consumers should now contact their pharmacies to replace all remaining unexpired Allerject devices

Pfizer Canada says its Epipen inventory is now up to meeting the increased demand following a recall of Allerject auto-injectors.

Epinephrine auto-injectors are used as an emergency treatment by patients who have a history of potentially fatal allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, or who are at risk because of allergies to foods, insect bites and stings, medicines or other substances.

​In October, drug company Sanofi recalled all lots of its Allerject auto-injectors in Canada in the 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg strengths, which led to an increase in demand for its competitor's product, EpiPens.

A voluntary recall of Allerject caused a spike in demand for EpiPens, a similar but not identical product. (Mark Zaleski/Associated Press)

Sanofi Canada said it recalled the devices because they could potentially deliver an inaccurate amount of epinephrine.

On Friday, Pfizer announced it's secured sufficient quantities of EpiPen autoinjectors to replace all remaining Allerject devices affected by the recall.

Consumers should now contact their pharmacies to replace all remaining unexpired Allerject devices in their possession, Pfizer suggested.