Warning

August 27, 1999

Warning regarding use of Ana-kit Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment Kit

OTTAWA -  Health Canada is advising consumers who use Ana-Kit Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment Kit to immediately return these products to the pharmacy for a free replacement. These products are used in the event of an onset of severe or life-threatening allergic reactions.

It is important to note that the Bayer Inc. logo appears on the front of the Ana-Kit package. Six (6) lots of the product are being voluntarily recalled by Hollister-Stier Laboratories. The lot numbers involved in Canada include:

These lots are being recalled because some were found to be sub-potent, meaning that the product may not be 100% effective and therefore may not provide enough epinephrine to effectively treat an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Should an Ana-Kit replacement product not be readily available, patients should contact their physicians or pharmacists immediately for advice regarding alternatives. If an emergency occurs prior to the product being replaced, patients are advised to use the product and seek medical attention.

There have been no reports of death or injuries as a result of this deficiency

Health Canada is issuing this warning to advise consumers, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the Allergy Information Association, the Anaphylaxis Network of Canada, the Canadian School Board Association, the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the provincial Ministries of Health of the recall of this product.

Information:
Tony Halisky
Health Canada 
Pager 613-566-8345 (available throughout the weekend)

Health Canada Regional Offices
Atlantic region 902-426-6129
Quebec region 450-646-1353
Ontario region 416-973-1475
Manitoba and Saskatchewan 204-983-5451
Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and Yukon 604-666-3704

Hollister-Stier Laboratories
1-800-262-9162 (available throughout the weekend)