It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a withdrawal or recall of factor. About six years ago we had a lot of them, and not everyone got word that their particular product was recalled. Then along came the Patient Notification System (PNS), a program that allows you to register to get alerted via email, telephone, fax or snail mail to any recalls or withdrawals. It’s a good time now to ask yourself if you have registered with PNS.
Here’s why: Just this week we had a voluntary recall of factor.
NHF’s Medical Advisory #407 of August 20 announced that CSL Behring initiated a voluntary recall of four lots of Monoclate-P
that were distributed beginning on August 4, 2008. It reads: “This action is being taken with the knowledge of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These lots are being voluntarily recalled as a precautionary measure because they do not meet the potency specification when stored for three months at 5 degrees C. No specific safety issues have been identified and neither have adverse incidents been reported. CSL Behring is requesting that the use of these lots be immediately discontinued and the product be returned to the company.”
When you register with PNS, you will be notified only about the product you use, so if you change brands, you may need to update your registration. If you are not registered, you may not hear at all about recalled brands. Please sign up with PNS today. Go to http://www.patientnotificationsystem.org to register. Don’t be the last to know!
Needless to say you should also register with NHF’s eNews, which will keep you updated with recalls and all news related to hemophilia.
Book I Just Read
Fifty Things to Do When You Turn Fifty by Ronnie Sellars (ed). This is a compilation of 50 essays by 50 authors, doctors, celebrities about turning 50 and what you need to know. It was pretty good, a general summary on changes you will face in areas like fitness, attitude, career and friendship. Thing is, most of us at age 50 are already aware of these things! So I guess it’s a good book to read when you are 45. Best part is that all profits are donated. Two stars.