The device used to help medical professionals and consumers administer a life-saving overdose reversal medication has been recalled. The manufacturer recalled the units, and state officials say that this recall may impact multiple first responders who rely heavily on the medication to save lives.
Teleflex Medical Corp., according to CT Post, issued a voluntary recall of the Nasal Intranasal Mucosal Atomization Device, stating that the hand-held unit – which is a nasal syringe – may not give the appropriate dosage. These devices specifically administer naloxone hydrochloride.
Naloxone hydrochloride is administered in the nasal cavity and delivers a plume of medication into the patient’s sinus cavity. Defective devices may cost lives, because the patient will not receive the steady plume necessary for absorption; instead, the defective devices are merely giving off a stream of fluid.
Drug overdoses have increased continually in Connecticut. The epidemic of opioid overdoses in the United States has drawn the attention of the U.S. Attorney General, as well as the rest of the public. In 2015, Connecticut suffered 729 overdoses.
In October, West Haven police had to administer the overdose reversal drug on five separate occasions. Other police departments throughout the state carry the drug, and local towns have been given credit for saving lives with it. Police stations and first responder units that were equipped with the drug in the past are hoping that it will be replaced soon so that they can continue to save lives.
This is the generic name for Narcan and Evzio, which prevents the effects of opioids and reverses them in those who have taken an excessive amount of drugs. The symptoms that the drug blocks include sedation, hypotension, and respiratory complications.
The device was recalled because of an issue in the cone tip that inserts into the nose. The rest of the device was not defective. For this drug to be effective, a mist needs to be delivered through the body quickly. A stream of the medication will not protect a patient from an overdose. Further, the purpose of the nasal mist is to protect first responders from being harmed with needle sticks.
Connecticut allows patients to receive the medication from over 300 pharmacies, as well. The recall does not affect the consumer level, just first responders.
Defective medication delivery can lead to fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective medical device or defective medication, you may be entitled to compensation. You will first need to meet with a medical malpractice attorney to explore your options.
Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation. Call us or contact us online to get started.
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