Pfizer recalls impotence shot because defective needles

Pfizer has recalled about 81 lots of anti-impotence shot Caverject in eight countries because of the potential for defective needles, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The recall is due to an issue with the 30 gauge needles, manufactured by Becton Dickinson, which are co-packaged with the vials. According to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, a blockage or partial blockage of the needle has been identified in a small number of cases. This could lead to the needle bending or breaking during use and associated adverse events.

Pfizer spokesman Rick Chambers said no adverse events have been reported in connection with the needle defect, and the medication itself isn't affected. The recall affects products in the UK, South Korea, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, France, Italy and Morocco.

The self-injectable Caverject came out before ED pills like Viagra were available. Pfizer doesn't break out Caverject sales, which are presumably relatively small, as the WSJ points out.

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