Latex Allergy risks from Pharmaceutical vial closures (Stoppers)

Latex Allergy risks from Pharmaceutical vial closures (Stoppers)

Natural rubber latex is one of the most overlooked allergens globally. Latex  allergy has become an increasingly serious concern to health care providers and others exposed to natural rubber latex, particularly with frequent or prolonged exposure.

Natural rubber latex is made from plant sources such as the sap of the Havena Brasiliensis rubber tree. It is used in numerous medical products, including adhesive bandages, condoms, medical gloves, catheters, sanitary napkins, crutches and blood-pressure monitoring cuffs. Exposure can result in sensitivity to natural rubber latex proteins, with symptoms ranging from skin redness, rash, hives or itching to difficulty breathing and wheezing. The most severe latex allergy can result in anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction involving severe breathing difficulty and or fall in blood pressure (shock).In most cases, latex allergy develops after many previous exposures to latex.

In Pharmaceutical sector vials stoppers remain a potential source of latex allergens. However most pharmaceutical vial closures do not contain natural rubber latex, as the companies uses synthetic rubber products, which are not made with natural latex and do not trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to products made with natural rubber latex.