Drug potency of some medications may be reduced as a result of storage in BD disposable syringes. BD has determined that the decreased potency is due to an interaction of some drugs with one of the two types of rubber stoppers in these syringes. This reduction in drug potency can result in a decrease in drug effectiveness. To date, decreased potency has been reported to BD for the following drugs: fentanyl, rocuronium, neostigmine, morphine, midazolam, methadone, atropine, HYDROmorphone, cisatracurium, and remifentanyl. Since these drugs are used in pain management and as a component of an anesthetic regimen, a decrease in drug potency can potentially result in loss of pain control. At this time, Health Canada does not know whether other drugs stored in syringes made by other manufacturers with similar rubber stoppers may be affected. There have been no reports of serious injury. To date, no Canadian cases related to drug potency issues have been confirmed.
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