Allergy Kits Being Recalled Spokane-Based Hollister-Stier Assembled Kits Listed In Order

Discoloration found in a supplier’s epinephrine syringes has forced the recall of 500,000 allergy kits by Spokane-based Hollister-Stier Laboratories.

Epinephrine, also called adrenalin, increases blood flow and helps restore breathing in case of acute asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions to insect stings or certain foods.

Hollister-Stier assembles and distributes the kits under its own name, but the syringes are made by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a division of American Home Products.

Hollister-Stier Chief Executive Officer Anthony Bonanzino said Tuesday that American Home authorized the recall last week. “We have no choice in the matter,” he said. “We have to abide by the recall.”

The recall affects Wyeth-Ayerst’s Epinephrine Injection, USP1:1000 in 1 mL Tubex syringe.

The company said routine quality-control sampling detected the discoloration, which could indicate reduced potency. That could pose a potential health hazard for those who use the kits to battle allergic reactions.

“We encourage those who depend on these kits to err on the side of caution,” Philip de Vane, North American medical director for Wyeth-Ayerst, said in a statement.

He encouraged consumers to contact their pharmacists and other health care providers to determine whether their allergy kits are being recalled or have lost potency.

Bonanzino said the recalled units were produced in 1997 and early 1998 and have a 30-month shelf life.

Units produced after May 1998 have 24-month shelf lives. They are not affected by the recall, he said.

Samples taken from kits in Spokane showed no discoloration, Bonanzino noted.

The recall includes the Insect-Sting Treatment Kit packaged and distributed by Derm/Buro Inc.; Anaphylaxis Emergency Treatment Kit packaged and distributed by Bayer Corp. as Hollister Stier -Ana-Kit; and Ana-Guard, which was packaged and distributed by Bayer. The kits all were sold via prescription and cost about $40.

Some 450,000 Ana-Kits and 55,000 Ana-Guards are being recalled in the U.S, and Canada, said Hollister-Stier spokeswoman Kathleen Bauernschmidt.

The number of kits being recalled represents about 25 percent of all allergic reaction kits on the market, she said.

Bayer sold its allergy kit manufacturing business to Hollister-Stier in June.

Although Hollister-Stier makes treatments for bee stings and insect bites, Bonanzino stressed those were not included in the recalled kits.

“This has absolutely nothing to do with any products manufactured in Spokane,” he said.

With the latest recall, Derm/Buro Insect-Sting Treatment Kits with the lot numbers, 0397, 0497, 0597, 8141, 8139, 11464, 13239, should be returned to the hospital, clinic or pharmacy where they were obtained. The numbers are found on the front label of the kit. The products were distributed between June 1997 and February 1999.

Ana-Kits with lot numbers AK344 through AK363 and lot AK366, and Ana-Guard with lot numbers G00196 through G00220, and lots G00222 and G00223 should also be returned. Ana-Kit lot numbers are on the front label of the package, and Ana-Guard lot numbers are on the top panel of the box. They were distributed by Bayer between April 1997 and April 1998.

Bonanzino said the recalled kits will be quarantined in Hollister-Stier’s plant on North Regal and eventually destroyed.Consumers can call Wyeth-Ayerst at 1-800-999-9384. Replacement products are available through doctors’ offices and pharmacies.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.