Patient Notification System
It was developed in the U.S. by the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association of Washington, D.C., in conjunction with relevant consumer groups and has been adapted for Canadian use by an advisory panel of Canadian companies and relevant medical and patient groups who worked with Canadian Blood Services and Héma-Québec. In Canada, the system is partially funded by plasma and protein therapy producers and distributors.
The Patient Notification System is a supplementary method for our customers and their clients to obtain notification of a recall or withdrawal of plasma-derived and recombinant products. Please note that registering or choosing not to register does not alter the obligations of manufacturers and/or Canadian Blood Services to notify the hospitals of a recall or withdrawal, nor does it alter the requirement for treating physicians and hospitals to notify the patients who use the product subject to a recall or withdrawal.
The system is operated by NNC Group, an independent organization that specializes in pharmaceutical notifications. NNC Group is required to hold all registrant information in confidence.
Participation in the system is entirely voluntary. Subscribers can register in one of the following ways:
- Complete the on-line registration form at www.patientnotificationsystem.org
- Call the toll-free phone number 1-888-UPDATE-U
- Mail an application form to NNC Group, Attention: PNS Manager, 5250 West 76th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46268
Registrants will be asked to provide their names, contact information, a password, a password hint and a list of the product(s) they would like withdrawal or recall information on. They can choose to be notified by U.P.S. Express, telephone, fax or e-mail. A follow-up notification will also be sent by regular mail. Every attempt will be made to reach registrants within 24 hours of any plasma product recall or withdrawal. Detailed information can be found on the PNS Web site.
Please note that brochures containing application forms are available upon request by sending an email to ippo@blood.ca or calling (613) 739-2483