The manufacturer of a syringe-like device that sprays the opioid overdose antidote Nalaxone into the noses of overdose victims has been recalled.
Teleflex, the maker of the device notified distributors of the recall of its internasal mucosal atomizer last week because, “they may not deliver a fully atomized plume of medication,” reports CNN. This may lead the antidote to be less effective.
The recall affects more than 66 batches.
Since 2000, there has been a steep jump in the rate of overdose deaths from heroin and prescription drugs, according to the CDC. To counter this trend, more law enforcement officers, paramedics and hospital security officers have been provided naloxone so they can administer the antidote to victims. According to CNN, at least 26,000 overdoses were revered as a result of using naloxone kits.
