Information for Consumers as of May 9, 2018
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared a national shortage of epinephrine auto-injectors affecting certain products on May 9, 2018.
Currently the following epinephrine auto-injectors are available and are not in a nationally declared shortage:
- Auvi-Q Adult (0.3 mg)
- Auvi-Q Child (0.15 mg)
- Auvi-Q Infant (0.1 mg)
According to the kaleo website, patients with prescriptions for Auvi-Q will be enrolled in kaleo’s direct delivery service and AUVI-Q will be shipped directly to you or your doctor's office with the best product dating. Commercially insured patients can get AUVI-Q for $0 out of pocket through the kaleo direct delivery service. For more information call 1-800-30-AUVIQ or visit their website.
The following products are in a nationally declared shortage, according to both the FDA and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
- EpiPen (0.3 mg)
- Authorized Generic EpiPen (0.3 mg)
- EpiPen Jr. (0.15 mg)
- Authorized Generic EpiPen Jr. (0.15 mg)
The above products from Mylan Pharmaceuticals are experiencing intermittent supply constraints due to manufacturing delays from the manufacturing partner, Meridian Medical Technologies, a Pfizer company. Mylan is receiving continual supply from MMT and expediting shipment to wholesalers upon receipt. Supply levels may vary across wholesalers and pharmacies. Patients who are experiencing difficulty accessing product should contact Mylan Customer Relations at 800-796-9526 for assistance in locating alternative pharmacies.
- Generic Adrenaclick Adult (0.3 mg)
- Generic Adrenaclick Child (0.15 mg)
The above products from Impax Laboratories are experiencing shortages due to problems with following good manufacturing practices. There is no estimated date for when more product may become available.
For the latest information on the supplies of these products, visit the FDA Website or the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
Advice for Patients: Patients who are experiencing difficulties obtaining the epinephrine auto-injector of their choice due to the shortage should speak to their physicians about getting a prescription for a different auto-injector so that they can have a prescription filled promptly and there is no interruption in the accessibility of this medication. In absence of a current epinephrine auto-injector, patients may use an expired dose but should call 911 and receive medical treatment.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Epinephrine (actually a synthetic form of the hormone adrenaline) is a self-injectable medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it as a safe and highly effective medication that can reverse severe allergy symptoms.
You must give epinephrine promptly during anaphylaxis for it to be most effective. Delayed use of epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction can lead to death.
If your doctor prescribes epinephrine, plan to carry two auto-injectors with you at all times. That way, you’ll always have quick access to this life-saving medication.
Have you been unable to fill or refill a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector? Take this survey.
https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/epinephrine/epinephrine-options-and-training
