There is no doubt that our country is in the midst of an opioid overdose epidemic. However, Pennsylvania’s prescription drug monitoring program has helped the state see a 14 percent decline in opioid prescriptions from 2016 to 2017.
The prescription drug monitoring program collects patient information on their prescriptions and loads it into a database that can be searched by physicians. This is to keep patients from seeking prescriptions from various doctors. In addition to the program, prescriptions for naloxone doubled last year. However, a recent recall of naloxone could make supplies of the overdose antidote limited.
On Monday, June 4, Hospira, the maker of Naloxone, recalled the antidote because of the potential for the syringe plunger to have loose particulate matter on it. According to the manufacturer, “In the event that impacted product is administered to a patient, the patient has a low likelihood of experiencing adverse events ranging from local irritation, allergic reactions, phlebitis, end-organ granuloma, tissue ischemia, pulmonary emboli, pulmonary dysfunction, pulmonary infarction, and toxicity.”
The recall affects Naloxone single-use units in the .4 mg/ml, 1 mL in and 2.5 mL strengths. The lot numbers affects by the recall are 72680LL and 76510LL. The medication was sent to hospitals, distributors and wholesalers in the U.S., Guam and Puerto Rice between February 2017 and February 2018.
While Naloxone used to only be available in hospitals, many medical professionals and first responders now carry it because of the opioid epidemic. It can restore normal breathing to someone who has stopped breathing or whose breathing is very slow because of opioids.
While there have been no instances of someone experiencing adverse events as of yet, the possibility is still present. If someone experienced any of the adverse events after the administrating of Naloxone, he or she could have the right to hold the manufacturer responsible. An experienced attorney can help you understand what your legal options are if this happened to you or a loved one.
If you would like to learn more about this or other prescription drug related injuries you or someone you know has experienced, contact the Quinn Law Firm at 814-806-2518.
Source: CBS58, “Opioid overdose antidote Naloxone recalled due to particulate matter,” June 05, 2018
