Alerts

Australia's medical devices regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) again encourages women who have had breast prostheses implanted since 1998 to contact their surgeon to find out the brand of their implant and to attend for a check-up if they know or suspect they have an implant made by the French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP).

Quarantine of some CSL Biotherapies batches of human albumin product (ALBUMEX) pending further analysis

Some batches of Albumex manufactured prior to 25 January 2012 may be contaminated with very low levels of ethylene glycol

CSL Biotherapies notified the TGA on 7 March 2012 that some batches of human albumin solutions manufactured prior to 25 January 2012 have been contaminated with ethylene glycol as a consequence of an equipment failure.

As an important part of its regulatory activities, the TGA strongly encourages reports of problems with medical devices to help identify safety concerns.

Human albumin: Clinical advice on ethylene glycol

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken steps today to quarantine CSL Human Albumin solutions from further use while an assessment is undertaken of the safety of these products.

We are updating safety information for statins due to potential risks like memory loss and increased blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) update

TGA has increased the number of samples of PIP breast implants tested for shell integrity

Information on the management of issues related to the recall of PIP silicone gel breast implants

Information on the management of issues related to the recall of PIP silicone gel breast implants

Counterfeit Avastin injections found in the USA do not have the active ingredient. We've reminded health professionals that importing or supplying counterfeit medicines in Australia is illegal.

Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) update

PIP breast implants were available in Australia between 1998 and April 2010. In April 2010 non-implanted PIP breast implants were recalled from the Australian marketplace following reports of increased risk of rupture with PIP breast implants as a result of use by the manufacturer of non-approved silicone gel.

The TGA advises that while PIP breast implants were recalled due to the use of unauthorised silicone, current evidence does not support routine removal in patients without symptoms, and individuals are encouraged to seek medical advice if concerned.

At the time of writing, the TGA has been advised that approximately 9,054 PIP breast implants have been implanted by surgeons between 2002 and 2010. In April 2010 non-implanted PIP breast implants were recalled from the Australian marketplace.

Updated recommendations for Pneumovax 23 revaccination due to high rates of local reactions after repeat doses.