Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles

An update has recently been issued by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) warning of the potential dangers of Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles produced by the manufacturer. After concerns were raised about certain batches, the manufacturer issued a Field Safety Notice recalling the five batches of needles in question, according to the MHRA. Used by healthcare services across the UK, there is a worry that a potentially harmful substance may have been unknowingly injected into patients.

Over the years, we have taken on a number of claims regarding faulty or harmful medical products, including hernia mesh and metal-on-metal hip implants. One of our biggest group litigation cases is that of the PIP breast implants – in our action, we have already recovered over £1m in compensation for the victims.

Although there is currently no evidence to suggest that anyone has been harmed by the Medoject needles, we believe that all cases like these require thorough investigation.

The issue of the Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles

Users of the Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles have recently noticed black residues that are reportedly on the outside of the product, according to the MHRA. Following the issuance of a Field Safety Notice, the five relevant batches have been recalled based on reports by users.

The MHRA investigated the issue, but has been unable to find the cause of issues raised thus far. The regulator has stated that all batches may be affected and more may, therefore, need to be recalled in future.

The nature of the black substance was established following the Field Safety Notice, revealing that it is amorphous carbon. The manufacturer has stated that there is only a minimal risk of harm to patients, but there is still cause for concern given that the cause of the issue is unknown. Indeed, if the manufacturer cannot establish how the amorphous carbon came to be on the Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles, it means they are unable to rule out the possibility of this happening again, or happening with another substance.

The MHRA’s advice

The MHRA advised that all Medoject hypodermic and blunt fill needles need to be identified by healthcare professionals, then removed and disposed of. Healthcare professionals should share information with users of the products, and report any adverse impacts of the device according to appropriate procedure.

Claiming compensation for a harmful medical product

Poor regulation and negligence from medical practitioners can sometimes lead to patients using potentially harmful medical devices. In some cases, the blame can lie primarily with a manufacturer for failing to properly review potential dangers, or in other cases, the doctors themselves can be at fault for wrongfully advising the patient to use a medical product.

In either case, it may be possible to bring compensation claims in order to achieve justice. In a claim, we may be able to recover compensation for any pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the product, and for any financial losses or expenses which may have been incurred as a result.

With our group action experience, we are accustomed to holding huge companies to account for their negligent actions. It can be tricky to establish liability in medical product cases, but we have the specialist knowledge to do this effectively.

Hopefully, there will be no problems for patients involved in this issue, and that will be the end of things.

To find out more about making a potential compensation claim, contact our team today for free, no-obligation advice on your case.