Hemlibra administration kit needle information (updated April 2026)

Written by Sam Wilson, January 9, 2026

In January 2026, manufacturer of Hemlibra, also known as emicizumab, informed us that a small number of the product’s administration kits contained injection needles which were reported as feeling blunter than they should be. 

The Haemophilia Society has spoken to a representative from Roche and Chugai and is in touch with the UKHCDO – the UK’s haemophilia doctors’ organisation.  

Hemlibra is a treatment for severe and moderate haemophilia A which is injected subcutaneously (under the skin). Hemlibra is also available for people with all severities of haemophila A who have FVIII (eight) inhibitors.

A spokesperson from Roche and Chugai told us:

‘Following receipt of these complaints, the legal manufacturer of the kits, B. Braun, initiated an extensive and detailed investigation. They tested over 1,500 sample and stock needles (including 700 needles from the batch 24N05G89A1, which received the most complaints) on various parameters including specific attributes that play a role in comfort and performance.

‘To date, B. Braun has not found any indications suggesting that the needles are not conforming to specifications and regulations. The investigation concluded these needles are safe to use.

‘We recognise that these results are in contrast to the experience of some members, and that any discomfort during an injection can be distressing, but hope that the results of this investigation are reassuring.’

If a blunter needle is used the injection may feel more painful than usual but should not be harmful. However, any product quality issues with the needles and/or adverse side effects for the medicine should be reported.

If you believe your needle is not as sharp as it should be, please submit a report through one of the following channels:

Members only need to use one of these channels to report a potential product quality issue. Regardless of the route, all reports are forwarded to B. Braun for investigation. Every report is taken seriously and investigated.

In order for B. Braun to perform a full investigation, the suspected defective needle is needed for testing. If the report has been submitted via Roche’s quality department, Roche can arrange a courier service to collect the sample directly, by providing appropriate packaging. This will then be delivered to B. Braun for assessment.

Members can order a new administration kit through their usual homecare provider. They may also send you additional injection needles compatible with the administration kit.

Reporting of side effects 

 You should report side effects for Hemlibra to Roche Products Ltd by emailing the Roche Drug Safety Centre at [email protected]  or calling 01707 367554. By reporting side effects (such as bruising) you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Please report suspected side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Registry (MHRA) through its Yellow Card scheme, via the Yellow Card website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or the free Yellow Card app available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.