Hospital Pharmacist
Vol 10 No 1 p5
January 2003

News summary

Related websites
MCA drug alert (PDF* 35K)
Medicines Control Agency (www.mca.gov.uk)

Warning issued for use of propofol (Diprivan) prefilled syringes

The Medicines Control Agency has issued a "caution in use" warning for the use of propofol (1 per cent and 2 per cent weight/volume) prefilled syringes (Diprivan).

In a drug alert notice, issued on 6 December, the MCA says that it has been brought to the attention of AstraZeneca that, in a small number of cases, the plastic flange (fingergrip) of propofol prefilled syringes may become detached when used with a syringe driver. This could result in the cessation of infusion of propofol. Users are asked to be particularly vigilant when using propofol prefilled syringes with syringe drivers. If problems are experienced, the syringe should be replaced or an alternative means of anaesthesia used, says the MCA.

AstraZeneca has started to manufacture replacement batches. Further information is available from the medical information department at AstraZeneca (tel 01582 836836).