*Update as of February 21, 2019: For the most recent update regarding EpiPen and EpiPen Jr availability, click here.*
Pfizer Canada has advised that a limited quantity of EpiPen 0.3 mg auto-injectors has been released across Canada and that additional stock is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Please read their statement.
Both EpiPen 0.3 mg and EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg doses continue to be in supply allocation. Supply allocation means there is limited inventory of both products available at pharmacies and it is being carefully managed nationally.
How to manage
To help you manage during this period, please note the following:
- There may be a limit placed on the number of EpiPen and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors you receive from the pharmacy. Pfizer Canada is managing the supply carefully and working closely with distributors to support the provision of both products at the pharmacy level.
- Please continue to be mindful in requesting additional EpiPens beyond what is necessary to allow for as many people as possible to have access to this medication.
- If your local pharmacy does not have any auto-injectors in stock, please check with other pharmacies in your area as limited inventory of both products is available.
- If a new auto-injector is not available, a recently expired device may be used to treat an anaphylactic reaction in an emergency. As a reminder, the expiry date applies to the last day of the month noted on the device. For example, if your device expires in August, it remains valid (not expired) until August 31st.
- Please share this information with your child’s school to advise them of the situation, and that you may not be able to provide an additional device for the school.
- Check out our EpiPen shortage FAQs, which addresses the use of vials of epinephrine and EpiPen Jr auto-injectors as substitutes for the EpiPen 0.3 mg dose.
- As always, continue to follow and review our safety tips for managing food allergies and preventing reactions.
Advocating for you
As a part of our ongoing commitment to you, and all Canadians impacted by food allergies, we are actively advocating on your behalf to resolve this issue.
Here are a few key updates on what we’ve been working on:
- Meeting with the Government of Canada – we’ll soon be meeting with the Health Minister’s office to discuss this issue, and to raise the profile of food allergy as a public health priority.
- Pushing for a second supplier – we’re working hard to expedite the possibility of having a second supplier of epinephrine in the market. The short-term goal is to have temporary stock from an alternate supplier in the market to offset this supply issue. The long-term goal is to ensure there will always be more than one supplier of this life-saving medication in the market.
- Ensuring schools are informed – we’re leading the communications effort with Health Canada and the provincial Ministries of Health and Education to ensure schools are aware of the limited supply and that they proactively have guidance on this issue.
Please continue to let us know if you are experiencing issues obtaining your EpiPens, your feedback helps us with our advocacy with all key stakeholders. You can take our 5-minute survey to share your story. Or email us directly at info@foodallergycanada.ca. Be sure to tell Pfizer Canada about your situation so they can respond to you directly, and to help keep this issue in the forefront. Contact them at 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361).
We will continue working hard to ensure this community remains supported and will keep you updated on the progress we’re making.
For further information or questions, please contact Pfizer Canada directly at 1-877-EPIPEN1 (1-877-374-7361).
Tags: EpiPen, shortage, supply interruptions