Safety communications

This page is for patients, the public and healthcare professionals.

It describes the different communications issued for device safety issues.

How is device safety information communicated?

There are two main types of safety communications:

  1. Field safety notices (FSNs), published by manufacturers.
  2. HPRA safety notices (SNs), published by us.

For more details on these communications, click the menu below. 

Field safety notices

Manufacturers must inform device users if they find a safety issue with their device.

Manufacturers issue FSNs to device users if they find a safety issue.

If your device is affected by a safety issue and you receive a FSN, read it carefully and follow the instructions.

FSNs may have key information or actions, such as:

  • Removal of a device from the market.
  • Updated instructions on how to use a device safely.
  • A patient recall (where patients are to be brought back for re-testing).

We publish a summary of FSNs affecting the Irish market during the first week of each month.

We also publish a list of FSNs circulated to the Irish market where actions remain outstanding.

We can only publish FSNs notified to us.

If you receive an FSN not on our list, please let us know by email at devicesafety@hpra.ie.

 

 

HPRA safety notices

If you receive a FSN from a manufacturer, act on it at once.

Do not wait for a HPRA safety notice . Most FSNs are not accompanied by a HPRA safety notice.

We issue HPRA safety notices to device users when we consider it necessary.

This includes:

  • To give more information to users in Ireland (FSNs often accompany SNs).
  • To raise awareness of a high risk FSN.
  • To raise awareness of an FSN where the manufacturer has not been able to contact all device users.
  • Where a company no longer exists.

More details on our safety notices, including how they are formatted, can be found here.

Anyone can sign up to receive HPRA safety notice by emailing devicesafety@hpra.ie.

What should I do if I receive a HPRA safety notice?

If you are a patient or member of the public, you should:

  • Review the safety notice.
  • Discuss any problems or concerns with your doctor.

If you are a healthcare professional, you should:

  • Ensure the notice reaches the correct person in your organisation.
  • Share the notice with other affected organisations or persons.
  • Review the notice and complete actions as needed.

 



Date Title Type
19/07/2010 LIFEPAK® CR Plus Automatic External Defibrillator Advisory
16/07/2010 Counterfeit PROXIMATE PPH Procedure for Prolapse and Hemorrhoids Set Warning
05/07/2010 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - June 2010 3rd Party Publications
14/06/2010 Intracranial Stent SILK Advisory
10/06/2010 Hospital Beds / Cots Advisory
03/06/2010 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - May 2010 3rd Party Publications
17/05/2010 M Series Heated Humidifier Advisory
12/05/2010 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - April 2010 3rd Party Publications
10/05/2010 Apheresis Systems Advisory
15/04/2010 ARCHITECT Anti-HCV Reagents Advisory
01/04/2010 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - March 2010 3rd Party Publications
02/03/2010 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - February 2010 3rd Party Publications
18/02/2010 Wallach LL100 Cryosurgical System CO2 and Accessories Advisory
15/02/2010 Publication of Field Safety Notices 3rd Party Publications
04/01/2010 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - January 2010 3rd Party Publications
10/12/2009 Zoll AED Plus Defibrillator 10.12.2009 Advisory
10/12/2009 Oxy-Top 5 / Oxy-Tec 5 Oxygen Concentrator Advisory
01/12/2009 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - December 2009 3rd Party Publications
05/11/2009 K-Tips - Important Safety Information from Roche Diagnostics GmbH 3rd Party Publications
02/11/2009 Field Safety Notice Monthly Summary Sheet - November 2009 3rd Party Publications